House Concurrent Resolution 83

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. ZELLA DELIZABETH MCNAIR WEATHERSBY.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on February 22, 2019, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Zella Delizabeth McNair Weathersby, to eternal rest, rendering immense heartache and loss to her family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, Covington County and the State of Mississippi lost a loving mother and wonderful friend with the passing of Mrs. Weathersby, who was born to the late James and Mary Magee McNair, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, Zella Delizabeth McNair Weathersby was a woman of uncompromised faith who attended Mt. Pleasant C.M.E. Church of Mount Olive her entire life and served as the secretary of the church for 30 years and Director of the Christian Youth Fellowship for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Mrs. Weathersby was passionate about worship and was an active participant in the music ministry and the Missionary Society and served as president of the Pastor's Aide Club, and she now 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, Mrs. Weathersby graduated from DePresit High School in Hattiesburg before continuing her education at Jackson State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, and she retired from the Covington County School District after dedicating 38 years of illustrious teaching to her students; and

WHEREAS, additionally, she was the owner of Venia Park Funeral Home in Collins, Mississippi, for 35 years and served as a member of the Covington County Chamber of Commerce and the Order of the Eastern Star, and because of her unparalleled dedication to her community and her students, Governor William Waller awarded her a Certificate of Recognition as an Outstanding Educator, President George Bush awarded her a Certificate of Recognition as an Outstanding Business Woman, and she was selected as the Grand Marshal of the Collins High School Homecoming Parade and the Black Heritage Parade; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of Zella Delizabeth McNair Weathersby's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her beloved survivors: children, Shelia Weathersby-Burbridge, Leisha Weathersby, Alexis Weathersby, Gregory Weathersby and Leno Holmes; granddaughter, Lauren Ashley Burbridge; great-grandchildren, Bryson and London Thompson; brother, James McNair; sisters-in-law, Irma McNair and Laura McNair; 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 renewed in their faith that Mrs. Weathersby fulfilled the purpose of her appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having, "fought a good fight, finishing her course and keeping the faith until the hour of her departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life of a genuine and selfless individual as Mrs. Zella Delizabeth McNair Weathersby, whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all she encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Zella Delizabeth McNair Weathersby, to whose family we express sincere and deepest sympathy upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Zella Delizabeth McNair Weathersby and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.