Emmett D. Mickens, affectionately known by his family as “Sonny/Uncle Sonny,” was born on a cold December day, December 18, 1947, to the late Albert and Rosa Lee Mickens. His special name extended far beyond the family circle. Once others heard us lovingly call him “Uncle Sonny,” they began calling him Uncle Sonny, too—a reflection of the warmth, familiarity, and love he shared with everyone he encountered.

Emmett confessed his faith in Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout the years, he faithfully served his church as both a deacon and trustee. His faith remained an important part of his life and helped shape the love, strength, wisdom, and compassion he shared with his family, church family, and community.

Emmett was a proud graduate of B. F. Liddell High School Class of 1968. Even as a young man, he demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and service. During his junior year and part of his senior year of high school, Emmett worked as a school bus driver for Noxubee County Noxubee County School District. This early responsibility reflected the dependable, hardworking, and service-minded man he would become.

In 1988, Emmett made history when he was elected as the first African American Tax Assessor and Collector of Noxubee County. He faithfully served the citizens of Noxubee County with integrity, professionalism, and dedication for 27 years. He understood the significance of public service and took great pride in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people of his community.

During his years of service, Emmett traveled throughout the state of Mississippi only guided by a map rather than GPS to attend conferences and professional meetings. Through these experiences, he developed lasting relationships with Tax Assessors and Collectors from counties across the state. He truly enjoyed the fellowship, the opportunity to exchange knowledge, and the many conversations about taxes and public service. Never one to meet a stranger, Emmett’s friendly personality and gift for conversation made it easy for him to connect with colleagues and people from all walks of life. His years in office were more than a career; they were an opportunity to serve his community, build meaningful relationships, and leave a lasting legacy.

After retiring, Emmett found joy in the simple comforts of home. He enjoyed watching golf, keeping up with the news and other sports, and finding interesting recipes for his family to prepare. Although he may not have been the one in the kitchen, he was always ready with a recipe, a suggestion, or an opinion about what should be cooked next.

Emmett possessed an endless curiosity and a genuine love for learning. He could carry on a conversation about almost any subject and always had something thoughtful, interesting, or humorous to contribute. Whether discussing politics, sports, taxes, current events, food, or everyday life, he enjoyed sharing what he knew and hearing the perspectives of others.

Above all, Emmett loved his family deeply. To us, he was much more than an accomplished public servant, he was our beloved Sonny. He was a source of wisdom, encouragement, motivation, and love. He believed in his family, prayed for us, supported our dreams, and often saw potential in us before we could see it in ourselves. His words carried weight because they came from a place of genuine concern and a sincere desire to see those he loved succeed.

Our beloved Sonny’s presence brought comfort, strength, laughter, and reassurance to our family. His love was shown not only through his words but also through his consistent actions, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering support. He often reminisced about the past by saying, “Mercy, Mercy Me, Things aren’t what they used to be,” or reminding us that “a change is gonna come,” inspired by his favorite Sam Cooke song and always asking “What’s Going On”. We will miss hearing those familiar words and the stories that always followed. The lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave will remain forever in our hearts. Although his absence leaves a space that can never be filled, his legacy will continue through the lives he touched, the family he cherished, the church he faithfully attended, and the community he honorably served.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert & Rosa Lee Mickens, nine brothers, Albert Mickens, Jr., Roosevelt Mickens, Robert Mickens, O’Dell Mickens, John Mickens, Jordan Mickens, R.D. ‘Jim” Mickens, Archie Mickens, L. B. “Shag” Mickens; six sisters, Rosie B. Mickens, Alma Mickens, Mary Logan, Jessie Will Mickens, Annie Mickens, Earnestine “PutPie” Mickens; three brothers-in-law, Earlie “Bud” Logan, Charlie Logan, Brian Jackson and five sisters-in-law, Estella Mickens, Vivian Mickens, Kathy Mickens, Lillie Mickens, and Mary Mickens.

Emmett leaves his legacy of love to cherish his memories: two brothers, Phillip (Linda) Mickens of Hoover, AL, Joseph W. (Emlis) Mickens, Sr. of Columbus, MS; four sisters, Anna Lee Logan of Philadelphia, PA, Marie (Robert) Cook of Bloomfield, CT, Peggy Jackson of Rockville, CT, Delois (Mitchell) Mickens of Starkville, MS; three nieces who were raised by his parents, Martha Collins of Vernon, CT, Mary Rogers of Hartford, CT and Mary Hill of Columbus, MS; two sisters-in-law, Martha Dell Mickens of Hartford, CT and Lucinda Mickens of Brooksville, MS; three nieces he raised like his own, Latasha (Dr. Kellian) Mickens-Hughes of Cypress, TX, Lashanda Mickens of Brooksville, MS, and Latia Mickens of Starkville, MS; one nephew he raised like his own, Chioke Mickens; one great-niece and great-nephew he raised like his own, Ravyn Mickens Hampton and Jadyn Mickens Dooley of Oxford, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.