Casket of civil rights pioneer Tessie Prevost-Williams to be escorted by U.S. Marshals

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — On Friday, July 26, the legacy of the late civil rights pioneer Tessie Prevost-Williams will come full circle when United States Marshalls escort her casket after her funeral.

It was U.S. Marshals who escorted Prevost-Williams and two other 6-year-old girls, Leona Tate and Gail Etienne, when they integrated New Orleans’ McDounough 19 Elementary School in 1960.

Prevost-Williams died at the age of 69 on July 8.

A series of events have been scheduled to celebrate her life and legacy beginning with her flag-draped casket being placed at Gallier Hall where she will lie in state from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

U.S. Marshals will then escort the casket from Gallier Hall to her funeral services on Saturday, July 27 to burial.

The Marshal Service calls it an Honor to pay their respects.

The family released a full schedule of events for the celebration of life.

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