House Resolution 58

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. EDDIE JAMES STEPNEY.

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 January 12, 2022, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Eddie James Stepney, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, loving husband and father and dedicated community leader with the passing of Mr. Stepney, who was born on November 26, 1957, in Hattiesburg to the late Roosevelt Stepney and Cerelia Packer Stepney, 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, Eddie James Stepney was a man of uncompromised faith and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend R.W. Woullard, Sr., and was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of Reverend W.C. Carroll, and he 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, a 1975 graduate of Hattiesburg High School, Mr. Stepney attended Jackson State University before he enlisted with an elite fraternity of soldiers in the United States Army from November 19, 1981, until April 19, 1984, during which time he not only heroically and patriotically fought for his country as commander of Post 225, but also helped many young men attend Boys State and the American Legion Oratory contest; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Mr. Stepney, a man held in the highest regard by friends and family as an inspiring and precious gift from God, will continue to refresh the hearts and memories of his beloved survivors: his loving wife, Jeruthia (Judy); daughter, Hillary; siblings, Roosevelt Stepney, Jr., Willie (Sharon) Stepney, Michael Tisdale, Tyrone (Nellie) Jackson, Vera Stepney, Vickey Campbell, Phyllis Williams and Patricia (Carlton) Burkett; in-laws, Nancy Knight, Rosetta Woullard and Charles Smith; 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 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. Eddie James Stepney 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 recognize and honor the lives of fine Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Eddie James Stepney, a gracious man who loved his family and friends unconditionally and worshipped the Lord God Almighty with all of his heart and soul, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

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. Eddie James Stepney, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Eddie James Stepney and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.