MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Bourdeaux, Horne, Young, Robinson (84th)

House Concurrent Resolution 147

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MRS. MELIA PEAVEY AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING. 

WHEREAS, Mrs. Melia Peavey of Meridian, Mississippi, one of the business world's foremost female executives, departed this life on March 7, 1998, causing great loss and sorrow not only to her family and friends but to the many individuals around the world who came to know her through her work in the electronics business; and

WHEREAS, joining the Peavey Corporation as a switchboard operator in 1972, Mrs. Peavey gradually climbed the ladder of success within the company; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Peavey was a "hands-on" executive, directing many facets of the company's operation and often traveling overseas to supervise the company's business; and

WHEREAS, since 1965, the Peavey Corporation has grown to a business with more than 2,500 employees operating from 33 locations in Mississippi, with manufacturing operations worldwide and selling Peavey products in over 100 countries; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Peavey became an internationally known speaker and addressed such distinguished groups as the Southern Governor's Association and the National Small Business Administration; and

WHEREAS, her titles at the time of her death included President of Peavey Electronics Corporation, President of Peavey Electronics Limited, President of Peavey International Corporation, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of D&D Transport and President of PVF; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Peavey served as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Association of Merchants, the National Board of Distinguished Women of Mississippi University for Women, a member of the Meridian Community College Workforce Council and a charter member for the National Employer Leadership Council, which is a national council selected by President Clinton with the mission of enhancing the quality of the nation's work force and improving productivity and competitiveness of American businesses; and

WHEREAS, over the years Mrs. Peavey received numerous awards for her business skills and leadership, such as the Republican Senatorial Medal of Freedom, the Medal of Excellence presented by the Mississippi University for Women, the Humanitarian Award presented by the Meridian Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and her selection as one of Mississippi's 50 Leading Businesswomen by the Mississippi Business Journal; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Peavey was honored by Mississippi Educational Television with a production of "Hartley and Melia Peavey: To Build A Dream 1997"; and

WHEREAS, Peavey products became a favorite of many leading entertainers such as the rock star musician, Eddie Van Halen, who cooperated with the firm to develop and demonstrate Peavey-made equipment, resulting in the Peaveys working with approximately 400 different bands and 1,200 individual performers over the years; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her remarkable contributions to the music industry, Mrs. Peavey became a local community leader by opening the Peavey House, a home for abused or neglected children to which she gave time and financial assistance; and

WHEREAS, she was also instrumental in making available to local civic and religious groups the Peavey Center Auditorium at the company's office building for various meetings; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Peavey is survived by her loving husband of over 20 years, Hartley; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding woman as Mrs. Melia Peavey, who generously contributed her exceptional talent, leadership, time and finances to improving not only the music industry, but the lives of hundreds of children through the Peavey House:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend the life and accomplishments of Mrs. Melia Peavey for her example of a remarkable and dedicated businesswoman whose long and distinguished career epitomizes a life rich in achievement and service to her fellowman.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature expresses and extends our heartfelt sympathy to the devoted husband and family of Mrs. Melia Peavey for their loss.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Melia Peavey and the Capitol Press Corps.