The Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce has chosen Lynn Pearsall Williams as the grand marshal for the 2021 Mount Olive Christmas parade. The parade will be held on Saturday, December 4th at 10 AM in downtown Mount Olive. Community members nominate potential candidates to be named grand marshal and a Christmas committee composed of chamber members and citizens choose the winner. The requirements for nominees include someone who volunteers and gives back to the community, deserves credit for good deeds completed, inspires others, and resides in Mount Olive or the surrounding area. Traditionally, the committee selects an individual who has been a longtime volunteer who makes Mount Olive a better place to live, work and play.
This year’s recipient, Lynn Williams, meets and surpasses all those requirements. Lynn serves as the assistant corporate secretary and public relations manager at Mt. Olive Pickle Company. She is involved in many community projects and events including the North Carolina Pickle Festival, Cycle NC and Pickles, Pigs & Swigs. Over the years, she has served as the United Way chairperson, Steele Memorial Library Campaign chairperson, Mt. Olive Presbyterian elder, Waylin Foundation board member, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce board member, University of Mount Olive Agribusiness committee member and Southern Wayne High School Booster Club member.
Lynn has received numerous recognitions for her accomplishments including the Distinguished Service Award, Ruff Huggins Lifetime Community Service Award, and the Key to the Town of Mount Olive. Mount Olive Chamber president Julie Beck stated, “It is fitting that the committee chose Lynn Williams for this recognition. Lynn goes above and beyond in whatever task she takes on. She is a dedicated citizen and makes a difference in Mount Olive. What a great way to honor her by naming her as the 2021 grand marshal for the Mount Olive Christmas Parade.”
Lynn is married to Michael Williams, the mother of Jordan Williams and Kaitllyn Rectenwald, mother-in-law of Caitlin Williams and Justin Rectenwald, grandmother of Paul Jordan Williams, sister to Kathy Pearsall and the daughter of Connie Pearsall and the late Paul Pearsall.
The Christmas parade will begin at 10 AM on Saturday, December 4 and is sponsored by the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade line up will commence at Carver Elementary School and travel down Old Seven Springs Road, Church Street, College Street, both sides of Center Street and end on James Street.
