House Resolution 77

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. JAMES LEROY AND MRS. BETTY SUE NIX ON THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 9, 2004.

WHEREAS, it was love at first sight in May 1948, when James Leroy Nix, known to many as Jimmy, caught Betty Sue Warren's eye when he was chosen as "muscle man" for 12-year-old boys at a 4H camp held at Waukaway Springs; and

WHEREAS, in June 1948, Jimmy invited a group to a birthday party and played "spin the bottle," a game which resulted in Jimmy and Betty Sue's first walk together; and

WHEREAS, later that year, Jimmy invited a "carload of girls" that included Betty Sue, to Bay Springs to the Cool Dip Drive-In for ice cream, where Betty Sue made up her mind that Jimmy was just the guy for her; and

WHEREAS, soon after this trip, Jimmy and Betty Sue dated for five years before "running off" to McLain, Mississippi, on May 9, 1954, to be married at the age of 17, with their parents permission, by Reverend Mack Jones; and

WHEREAS, to their loving union, James Keith Nix was born in 1957 and Sandra Ruth Nix was born in 1960; and

WHEREAS, throughout 50 years of marriage, they have been involved in the community through various clubs and city government roles; and

WHEREAS, Jimmy's community involvement includes organizing Bay Springs' first fire department, serving as chief for more than 20 years and also serving for many years as alderman and mayor pro tem, and Betty Sue has spent many hours working with Bay Springs beautification projects, the Bay Springs Garden Club and Bible Study classes, but has been mainly "behind the scenes" supporting Jimmy in his community endeavors; and

WHEREAS, their union has been blessed through fellowship and Bible Study at Bay Springs Baptist Church, Berean Bible Church and just talking about the Lord with friends during the course of daily living in small town America; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and give admiration to strong families in our state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we hereby commend and congratulate Mr. James Leroy and Mrs. Betty Sue Nix on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. James (Jimmy) Leroy and Mrs. Betty Sue Nix and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.