House Concurrent Resolution 69

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CALLESTYNE PERRY HALL-CRAWFORD AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Callestyne Perry Hall-Crawford, born July 2, 1961, to Mary Hall and Benjamin Perry in Greenwood, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on Friday, January 30, 2004, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hall-Crawford, who confessed an early faith in Christ, attended the Greenwood Public Schools, graduating with honors in 1979 from Greenwood High School; and

WHEREAS, she furthered her education at Alcorn State University, where she received her bachelor of science degree in political science in 1983, and at the University of Mississippi Law School, where she obtained her juris doctorate degree in 1986; and

WHEREAS, embarking upon her professional career in law, Mrs. Hall-Crawford gained employment with the North Mississippi Rural Legal Services in 1986, where she served as managing attorney until the office closed in 1996; and

WHEREAS, after the closing of the North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, Mrs. Hall-Crawford opened her own practice and later became public defender for Holmes County; and

WHEREAS, she became Greenwood's first black assistant city attorney, serving from 1996-1997 and assumed her duties as the city's public defender, which she held from 1997 until her untimely passing; and

WHEREAS, described as a true friend and dedicated attorney who was an inspiration to all, Mrs. Hall-Crawford was united in holy matrimony to Larry Crawford on July 2, 1992, and to their union two children were born; and

WHEREAS, ever committed to her religious faith and service of others, Mrs. Hall-Crawford was a lifelong member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where she dedicated her life to God; and

WHEREAS, her other professional, social and civic affiliations consisted of memberships in the following organizations: the Mississippi Bar Association, the Leflore County Bar Association, the Magnolia Bar Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Order of the Eastern Star, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and the Mississippi Public Defender Association; and

WHEREAS, though her passing has caused great sorrow and grief, the legacy of her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts and memories of her survivors, including: her husband, Larry Crawford; children, Steven Jay Crawford and Symone Joi Crawford; a sister, Rhondalind Barcus, a stepsister, Stefenie Lott and a cousin, Deborah Jackson; two brothers, George Lucas, Jr., and James Lucas; stepfather, George Lucas, Sr.; godmother, Hermanell Mickey; four aunts; one uncle; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the lives of such outstanding individuals as Mrs. Hall-Crawford, whose life and services were monumental in making a positive influential difference in the lives of those who knew her:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of Mrs. Callestyne Perry Hall-Crawford and express deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Larry Crawford and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.