House Resolution 15

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LONGEVITY OF MRS. BEATRICE WHITE ROOTS AND CONGRATULATING HER ON CELEBRATING THE OCCASION OF HER 100TH BIRTHDAY ON JANUARY 28, 2018.

WHEREAS, born January 28, 1918, in Yazoo County, Mississippi, Mrs. Beatrice White Roots, a precious gift of life and love, celebrates the most auspicious occasion of the 100th anniversary of her birth on Sunday, January 28, 2018, with her family and friends in acknowledgment of her motherhood and service; and

WHEREAS, from her humble beginnings in rural Yazoo and Humphreys Counties, Mrs. Roots, who was educated at the Humphreys County Training School in Louise, Mississippi, was raised on a system of integrity premised on the tenets of love, kindness and compassion imparted by her parents who instilled a central moral compass that echoed the heart of the Good Samaritan and core ethical values encompassed in the importance of work, family, community and the love of God; and

WHEREAS, known for her kindness and willingness to assist others, Mrs. Roots has devoted her life to the fulfillment of the role of providing for her family and supplementing the family income as a domestic worker, childcare provider and seamstress with an eye for beauty and an impeccable skill that produced high-end fashion garments in the form of suits, dresses, bridesmaid attire and wedding gowns; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles she assumed, a devoted wife and nurturing mother and grandmother, Mrs. Roots, whose mantra is "Do a job well or not at all," is the living embodiment of a woman of Proverbs 31:10 distinction and possessing the ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, she is a woman after God's own heart, committed to her faith, her family and her friends, being an upstanding pillar of the community as evidenced through her faithful membership of Christ Temple Holiness Church for more than half a century, where she has diligently served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Department leader, Women's Mission leader and a member of the choir; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to the building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of her life by the Great Deity and grand architect of our lives' design, the former Ms. White's heart was pierced by the love, chivalry and affection of Mr. Eugene Roots, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony on November 9, 1941, building a lifetime of memories to be shared with the fruitful addition of their offspring and sharing in life's momentous occasions; and

WHEREAS, keen on the aptitude for educational and cultural acumen, Mrs. Roots, who was not afforded the opportunity to attend college herself, but maintained an active presence in the academic pursuits of her children through her zealous involvement in the Parent Teacher Association, emphasized the importance of education and the successes that accompany a heightened intellectual foundation to her children, who are proud professionals as an elementary educator, an allied healthcare cytotechnologist and a doctor of dental surgery; and

WHEREAS, the matriarch of her family dynasty, Mrs. Roots remains the archetype icon and central foundation of a family that retains an unbreakable bond of love, honor, devotion, commitment and encouragement for each generation; and

WHEREAS, at 100 years of age, Mrs. Roots continues to be a blessing to others through her impartation of words of Christian advice and wise counsel to those in her company as a reminder of God's unfailing love for us all, and continues to enjoy the affection, appreciation, encouragement, love and respect she has always stood in receipt of from her children and their progeny; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life of such a remarkable individual as Mrs. Roots, who still exudes the gentle strength that has sustained her throughout this journey, and whose life is a testament to God's promise of longevity to those who diligently seek Him and obey His will:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and longevity of Mrs. Beatrice White Roots, congratulate her on this most auspicious occasion of celebrating her 100th birthday on January 28, 2018, and express sincere wishes for many more years of continued health, love, joy and happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Beatrice White Roots and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.