MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Dixon

House Resolution 46

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MOTHERHOOD AND OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP OF MRS. BERNICE LIGHTER LEE AND ACKNOWLEDGING HER AS A LIVING LEGEND IN OBSERVANCE OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH.

     WHEREAS, born on June 3, 1928, in rural Hinds County, Mrs. Bernice Lighter Lee has been a mainstay in the Utica community for more than 90 years, and has resonated with its citizens as a pillar of strength, integrity and compassion; and

     WHEREAS, an undeniable beacon of inspiration, Mrs. Lee's life and motherhood has served as a provident example of excellence in upholding the mantle of responsible citizenship by which future generations can pattern their lives, harkening to her indelible character premised in loyalty and dedication to the community; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Lee's service as a humanitarian, mother and mentor to countless individuals throughout Hinds County are indicative of the fact that motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood, as the natural state of motherhood is unselfishness; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Lee's unwavering commitment to her community and state is embodied in the statement of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."; and

     WHEREAS, the epitome of a woman of Proverbs 31:10 virtue who possesses an ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, as she continues to seek the very heart of God and demonstrate great faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, Mrs. Lee is recognized for truly being an honorable and warm-hearted Christian who is a faithful and dedicated member of Seven Star Missionary Baptist Church; and

     WHEREAS, the archetype matriarch of her family, Mrs. Lee has been a mother for the community, in addition to providing the love, nurture and discipline to her own children and grandchildren, who have willingly shared her with countless others as a voice of reason, inspiration and consistency; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the living legends of our community like Mrs. Lee, who served as trailblazers and continue to be purveyors of the stories and teachings of those who helped build our nation, took a stance against prejudice to build lives of dignity and opportunity, advanced the cause of civil rights and strengthened families and communities:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby acknowledge and commend the motherhood and wisdom of Mrs. Bernice Lighter Lee, as a living legend in recognition of African-American History Month, and extend best wishes for continued health and prosperity in all the days to come.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of the resolution be furnished to Mrs. Bernice Lighter Lee and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.