House Resolution 57

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. MELVYN EUGENE "MAN" PAGE AND EXPRESSING 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. Melvyn Eugene "Man" Page, to rest eternally, on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 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 Gulfport and Biloxi communities of Harrison County lost a wonderful friend with the passing of Mr. Page, born in Gulfport, Mississippi, to his late parents, Mr. Delton Page and Mrs. Ann Augusta Hendricks Page, on Sunday, October 12, 1958, 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, a graduate of Gulfport East High School, where he became a record-setting member of the school's track and field team, "Man," as he was affectionately known, amassed feats that would garner him the reputation of being named the "Fastest Man in Gulfport"; and

WHEREAS, cognizant of the words recorded in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat," Melvyn was an extremely hard worker who endeavored, without complaint or excuse, to do whatever was necessary to provide for his family to the best of his ability, as made evident by his working two and three jobs at any given time, coupled with an indomitable tenacity to get to work by any means necessary, even if it meant walking from his home on 19th Street in Gulfport to his job at the Care Center on Atkinson Road in Biloxi; and

WHEREAS, prior to experiencing some difficulties with health, Melvyn most recently worked at The Sun Herald, and as an individual who prided himself on independence, "Man's" mindfulness, willingness and continued desire to work to provide for his family was unmitigated; and

WHEREAS, in 1997 Melvyn met the former Ms. Lorna Lavender and, after an extended courtship, the duo united in the sacred and holy bonds of marriage in 2015; and

WHEREAS, having built a life of memories that spanned the course of 24 years, Melvyn blessed Lorna's family by assuming the honorable privilege of becoming the father figure to her three sons, whom he delighted in rearing as his own, and through which an interchange of enrichment was shared; and

WHEREAS, an exceptional cook and equally talented artist, "Man's" love for music and dancing was an attribute naturally acquired from his mother, a passion which became an integral bonding component shared with his siblings, to whom he introduced all genres of music, and with whom he shared the opportunity to enjoy the experience of one last concert together in February of 2020 in Biloxi, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed life's river to now stand upon the celestial shores in wonderment of Heaven's grandeur and in glorious reunion with his parents, awaiting the roll call from the Lambs' Book of Life, the legacy of Mr. Page's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: his wife, Lorna Lavender Page; three stepsons, Marcus Lavender, Bryant Lavender and Zacari Lavender; siblings, Representative Debra (Robert) Hendricks Gibbs, Vikki (John) Newell, Felecia (Travell) Harvey and Terrance (Retta) Womble; several siblings in Erie, Pennsylvania; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, 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 in Revelation 21:4, wherein is recorded, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" and renewed in their faith that Mr. Page fulfilled 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 lives of remarkable citizens who have such a profound impact upon the lives of those in their communities, as made evident in the life of Mr. Melvyn Page, whose selflessness was a beacon of inspiration 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. Melvyn Eugene "Man" Page, to whose family we express sincere and deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Melvyn Eugene "Man" Page and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.