Celeste Embrey Wilson was sworn in Tuesday as the newest justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court, making history as only the sixth woman to serve on the state’s highest bench.
Appointed by Gov. Tate Reeves to fill the vacancy left by Robert Chamberlin — who was recently confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi — Wilson will serve through Jan. 3, 2028. A special election for the seat is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2027.
Wilson brings more than 17 years of experience as a trial judge, having served on both the Circuit and County Courts. She spent eight years as a DeSoto County Court judge followed by nine years on the circuit bench. Prior to her judicial career, she served as an assistant district attorney in Mississippi's 17th Judicial District for seven years.
Wilson described the appointment as both an honor and a significant responsibility.
"It's a big responsibility," Wilson said. "I feel very humbled by the task that's set before me. I want to do my very best for the people of the state of Mississippi and uphold the Constitution."
Wilson reflected on her upbringing, saying she comes from a family built on hard work and integrity. She credited generations before her with helping shape the values she will carry to the Supreme Court.
"I'm a product of hard work," she said. "People that work with integrity and that do their best with whatever the task is that's before them."
Wilson joins Justice Jenifer B. Branning as one of two women currently on the bench. Her addition marks a milestone in state history, following in the footsteps of pioneers like former Chief Justice Lenore Prather.
Presiding Justice Leslie D. King administered the oath during a ceremony at the Gartin Justice Building in Jackson. He said Wilson’s years as a trial judge will bring valuable insight into the types of cases that come before the Supreme Court.
"Additionally, I think it's wonderful that we have another female on the court. Each of us is shaped by our experiences," said King. "They influence how we view things and how we analyze the cases that come before us."
Her parents noted that Wilson's work ethic and sense of fairness have been evident since childhood. "She's very fair and she's the hardest worker you will ever see," said her mother, Candace Embrey. Her father, Cary Embrey, added that she has always possessed a strong moral compass. "Celeste is a hard worker. She's always... had a strong sense of right and wrong," he said, noting she was never afraid to respectfully stand up for her beliefs.
During her judicial career, Wilson handled a wide range of cases involving domestic violence, child protection, adoptions, juvenile matters, criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. She also presided over a drug court program, experience she said provides a broad perspective that will help her as an appellate judge.
Asked about the challenges facing Mississippi's judicial system, Wilson said she hopes the Supreme Court will continue issuing opinions that are clear and understandable for attorneys, trial judges and the public.
"The greatest service that I hope to give is so when people come to court they know what to expect," she said, adding that decisions should be "clear and precise."
Wilson said she hopes her story encourages others across Mississippi to pursue their goals.
"I think I'm living proof that anybody can do what they want to in the state of Mississippi and in the United States," she said. "If you work hard and you make the best decisions you can, I think that it goes a very long way."