The 86th Coronation Ceremony of Jackson County was presented by the Young Men’s Business Club of Moss Point on Friday, February 13, at the B.E. “Mac” McGinty Civic Center in Pascagoula. The theme for the ceremony this year was patriotic: “America – 250 Years of Freedom”. Keith Miller served as Master of Ceremonies. The program began with Ms. Val Brown singing the Star-Spangled Banner.
An additional highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 46th annual Lifetime Community Service Award in honor of William R. Ehlert, M.D. Dr. Bud is Papa to two sons, three grand girls and one grandson. He and wife, the former Regina Reimer, make their home in Pascagoula. He grew up in Selma, Alabama, graduated from Sewanee University, and graduated medical school at UAB in Birmingham.
46th annual Lifetime Community Service Award Recipient
He developed a hobby of pruning live oak trees around Pascagoula and is responsible for several osprey nesting poles around Pascagoula. A woodworking shop beneath his home gives him great joy! Using wood from historic structures like the old ice plant, train station and Katrina debris, he makes bowls, cremation urns, and other items. He never sells a single item, but often donates to good causes.
Resurrection Catholic School holds a special place in Dr. Bud’s heart! He maintains the “barnyard” at the elementary campus, and has developed a fitness center, improved signage on the gym, and painted an RCS Eagle mural on the north wall of the gym with muralist James Mayo.
One of Dr. Bud and Mr. Mayo’s best projects are the murals under the Highway 90 Bridge at Lighthouse Park depicting a pine savanna and various scenes. They hope to continue painting the history of Jackson County on the columns down to the river.
The Royal Court was led by King of Joy LXXXV, Manley Barton of Hurley, and Queen of Joy LXXXV, Anna Grace Crump of Hurley. Archduke to the King for 2026 is Randy Carney of Hurley and Archduchess to the Queen is Joelyon Holtzman of Moss Point. Dukes to the King are Parker Pugh, Jason Loris, Walter Gautier, Rob Smith, Aulton Vann III, and Taylor McNeel. Duchesses to the Queen are Desiree Lennep, Tobie Decoteau, Lynne Turner, Kaleigh Nelson, Annie Battley Jackson, and Katy Boyer Langston. Crown Bearer to the King is Master William Wieniewitz, son of Landry and Sarah Wieniewitz of Moss Point. Trainbearer to the Queen is Miss Libby Perkins, daughter of Richard and Lindsey Perkins of Moss Point.
The unmasking of the King and Queen was the climax of the ceremony as the retiring King and Queen revealed King of Joy LXXXVI, Chip Cuevas of Moss Point, and Queen of Joy LXXXVI, Sophia Rae Perkins of Gautier.
His Majesty, King of Joy LXXXVI, Chip Cuevas, is the son of Armand and Jan Cuevas. He is a Moss Point High School graduate, class of 1983. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Ole Miss, a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Anesthesia from UAB.
Chip served 20 years in the United States Army as an Aviation officer and a Medical Service officer. He was deployed twice; once in 1990 for Operation Desert Storm and once in 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Chip is employed at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula as a CRNA and loves the people he works with.
Chip is a parishioner of Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church where he has played in the choir for the past 25 years. He was a founding member of the River City Cultural Foundation, known for their Waterfront Café Series of outdoor, family-oriented concerts. Chip has spent several years being a volunteer for Resurrection Catholic School’s fish fries, Homecoming, Spring Fling and trimming trees. He also served as a school board member for 4 years.
Chip enjoys playing music with his friends and anything you can possibly do in a boat.
Chip is married to Bernadette. They will celebrate 28 years of marriage in September, and are the proud parents of their daughter Camille, a junior at RCS.
Her Majesty, Queen of Joy LXXXVI, Sophia Rae Perkins, is the daughter of William Ray Perkins Jr. and Dr. Kecia McGowen Perkins. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ray Perkins and the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Winslow McGowen Sr., and the sister of Annie Zan Perkins.
Sofia graduated with honors from Resurrection Catholic School in May of 2021. During her senior year, she served as Varsity cheer captain and was president of the Jeune Espirit Service Club, where she was honored to be voted by her peers and presented as Queen Esprit XXV at the 2021 Spring Ball.
She went on to attend the University of Mississippi, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Studies and minors in Spanish and Biology, May of 2025. Her dedication and commitment to academics earned her both the Dean’s and Chancellor’s honor roll recognitions within her four years. While at Ole Miss, Sofia was a member of Kappa Delta sorority, where she served on the Social, Health and Wellness, and Sisterhood committees. In addition to her sorority involvement, she participated in several campus organizations and service clubs such as the Pre-Physician Assistant Society, Rotaract Community Service Club, and Caring Companions. Her involvement on campus and passion for service allowed her to give back to multiple organizations during her time in the Oxford community including Girl Scouts of America, Prevent Child Abuse America, The Pinnacle Assisted Living, and CASA of North Mississippi.
In the summer before her junior year at Ole Miss, Sofia completed an abroad 5 week medical internship in Cape Town, South Africa, an experience that deepened her commitment to healthcare and serving vulnerable populations. She also interned in Washington, D.C., under Congressman Mike Ezell at the U.S. House of Representatives, and was honored to be chosen and presented as a Gulf Coast Debutante by the Gulf Coast Debutante Society in 2023.
Sofia now works full time at The Dermatology Clinic as a medical assistant for Dr. Joshua Ortego. She finds deep fulfillment in caring for others and has developed a strong passion for both medical and cosmetic dermatology, further solidifying her plans to attend Physician Assistant school and earn a master’s degree. In the future, Sofia hopes to return to her community as a certified Physician Assistant, where she aspires to provide compassionate, patient centered care and make a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.
Outside of work, Sofia enjoys traveling to new places, cooking, health and wellness, spending time on the water, and playing with her dog, Rowan. She also treasures moments with her family and friends. Sofia is deeply honored and thankful to the Young Men’s Business Club for being named Queen of Joy the 86th and extends heartfelt gratitude to her family for their constant love, guidance, and encouragement throughout her life’s endeavors.
The High Sheriff of Jackson County, John Ledbetter, presented the Key to the County to His Majesty to symbolize rule over his domain for the evening and the unity of the county.
The Royal Court greeted their subjects with a Grand March and participated in the Royal Dance. The King and Queen of Joy LXXXVI then ordered celebration and merriment for the remainder of the evening to the entertainment of the Tip Tops.
