House Resolution 5

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. THOMAS C. TOLLIVER JR. AND EXPRESSING SINCERE AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Thomas C. Tolliver Jr. to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wilkinson County and the entire citizenry of Mississippi lost a revered mentor, remarkable friend and pillar of the community with the passing of Mr. Tolliver, whose main life goal was to help people in any way that he could, and the lasting impact he made on countless lives he touched will forever be cherished in the hearts and memories of all who knew him and experienced his greatness; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from the Wilkinson County Training School in 1968, Mr. Tolliver furthered his education at Jackson State University, where he graduated in 1972 with majors in biology and pre-med, completed his M.P.A. in public administration from Southern University A & M College, and finished the necessary coursework to become a candidate for the Ph.D. from Walden University College; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tolliver began his illustrious teaching career at his alma mater, Wilkinson County Training School/Wilkinson County High School, where his career as an educator was nothing short of heroic, as the goodwill and inspiration he provided to his students undoubtedly had a profound effect on their future success; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as a teacher, Mr. Tolliver was instrumental in organizing numerous student organizations, published the first school yearbook in several years, and involved himself in various other student activities all while encouraging, leading, and providing a positive role model to help his students learn and excel; and

WHEREAS, his teaching career traversed a variety of subjects, including physical science, biology, chemistry and adult education, but at each and every step along his way, he encouraged his students to study the fundamentals, inspired them to believe in themselves as he so strongly believed in them, and helped them reach their fullest potential and achieve their dreams; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his role as educator extraordinaire, Mr. Tolliver had a remarkable tenure as a public servant, as he was elected as the Wilkinson County Chancery Clerk in 1979, served on the Wilkinson County Industrial Board, and served as the Wilkinson County EOC Director, where he spent numerous hours securing shelter and assistance during Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tolliver's community involvement in various organizations, his volunteerism and his selfless neighborly spirit was surpassed by none, as he even organized a community softball league for youth and adults and allowed his property to serve as the ball field; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Mr. Tolliver was very involved with his college alma mater, Jackson State University, where he was a lifetime member of the alumni association and a member of the JSU Blue Bengal Athletic Association, and he was a founder and member of the Rho Epsilon Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and was recently inducted into the Mississippi Alpha Network Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tolliver was also very involved in his church, Oakhill First Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, choir director and deacon, and now he enjoys the eternal peace described in Luke 2:29, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word"; and

WHEREAS, the Mt. Ararat Consistory of 32nd and 33rd degree masons received the benefit of Mr. Tolliver's dedication, as he served as Commander in Chief, and he was a life member of Ft. Adams Masonic Lodge #622, serving as Master for several years during which time a new masonic hall was constructed; and

WHEREAS, he was also a founding member and president of the Chatwell Foundation, Inc., and a member of the Mississippi Chancery Clerk's Association, the Association of Clerks, Recorders and Election Officials, the Mississippi Civil Defense Emergency Managers Association, the NAACP, OES, Shriner, HOJ and ELK; and

WHEREAS, while Mr. Tolliver donned many hats, volunteered for several organizations and served his community in a multitude of ways, his greatest role was that of loving husband to his wife, Myrtis McFarland Tolliver, and doting father and grandfather to his three children and three grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Mr. Tolliver's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: wife, Myrtis; two daughters; one son; two grandsons; one granddaughter; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Mr. Tolliver fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life and service of such a genuine and selfless individual as Mr. Thomas C. Tolliver Jr. whose life of benevolence honored his family, his beloved Wilkinson County and this great state by illuminating the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mr. Thomas C. Tolliver Jr. and express sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Tolliver's wife, three children, three grandchildren and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.