The Tibbee Development Club (TDC), located in West Point, MS, was organized to take advantage of cemetery improvement efforts from funds made available through a county grant. Those funds were used to start the “clean up” of a sorely needed cemetery that did not have a concerted effort to maintain it. Through the leadership of community members like Joe Lane, Adel Bennett, and others, the club established a dues structure and special donations as methods to continue and expand maintenance of the cemetery that was not maintained by its rightful owners, the two churches of the community. The organization expanded its focus, organized, and incorporated as a non-profit community development organization in the early 70s. The TDC was established as a non-profit organization in 2001.

The TDC continues to be instrumental in initiating many projects that will help the community of Tibbee, and rural villages like it, continue to grow. Tibbee represents a true democracy where community members have effectively developed infrastructure to support continued growth despite demographic challenges based on their rich past and seemingly dim future. The objective is to make life better for its aging population and preserve the rights gained on the shoulders of its founders and early settlers. Organizations like the TDC and others work with local government to address concerns expressed by the citizens of Tibbee. The informal governmental structure provided by TDC and others like it, gave the citizens a collective voice when resources were needed for paved roads, youth recreational courts, or uniforms for youth athletic teams. Currently under construction is a community center that will be used for meetings and as a facility for administering needed services to the community.

To learn more about The Tibbee Development Club you can email corky@tibbeeDevelopmentClub.org.