House Resolution 97

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. JOYCE ISABELLE GREEN HARRISON UPON THE OCCASION OF HER 102ND BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, on March 18, 1920, the world was blessed with the birth of Mrs. Joyce Isabelle Green Harrison, and decades later, upon the auspicious occasion of her 102nd birthday, she continues to shower those around her with unconditional love and support; and

WHEREAS, the daughter of Charles Green and Carrie Roebuck Green, and the sister of Tom Green, Fairra Green and Novella Pugh, Mrs. Joyce Isabelle Green Harrison and her family grew up on a family farm in Jasper County, Mississippi, in the Ras Community, and not only survived the Great Depression, but also found time to enjoy each other, their church and music and to value education; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Penantly School in 1938, Mrs. Harrison enrolled in Jones Junior College and later the University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in home economics and minored in chemistry, and she began her illustrious teaching career and lifetime of selfless public service in 1943; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Harrison is a woman of uncompromised faith that she learned by the strong example of her mother and father, and she has continuously demonstrated her faith and devout commitment to Jesus Christ throughout her life, especially through her membership with Ephesus Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years and furnished floral arrangements for numerous church activities; and

WHEREAS, in 1945, while teaching at Ringgold School in Scott County, Mississippi, Mrs. Harrison met the love of her life, a handsome soldier who had just returned from World War II, Mr. Charles Maurice Harrison, and the duo exchanged the vows of holy matrimony with the sweet words "I do," in 1946, completing their family unit with the addition of five children, their first son, who died at childbirth, Dr. Charles L. Harrison and wife Sherrod Sims Harrison, William A. (Bill) Harrison (deceased) and wife Andrea Sparks Harrison, Dan M. Harrison (deceased) and wife Frankie Usry Harrison, and Tommy A. Harrison and wife Wanda Latham; nine grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison moved to Petal, Mississippi, where she continued to teach school and he pursued a degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, and throughout their professional lives, they worked in several public schools where he was a coach and school administrator and she taught home economics and chemistry; and

WHEREAS, the Harrisons made their family home in Forest, Mississippi, and lived a very blissful life together until Mr. Harrison's untimely death in October 1978, and she continued to teach until her retirement in 1983, at which time she had dedicated 40 years of service to Mississippi's public schools; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Harrison has always cared deeply for the needs of those around her and truly become a community treasure, earning the love and respect of every person who has had the opportunity to meet her and experience her greatness; and

WHEREAS, for the past 102 years, Mrs. Joyce Isabelle Green Harrison has survived two pandemics, cancer, a poisonous snake bite and the task of raising four boys, but through it all, she has undoubtedly inspired her family and friends, greeting everyone she meets with a million-watt smile that could illuminate even the darkest day, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren love her tremendously and revere her as the wonderful mother and grandmother she truly is; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of Mississippi's wisest generation, especially those such as Mrs. Joyce Isabelle Green Harrison on the occasion of her 102nd birthday, for being a gracious woman who always puts others before herself and loves her family and friends unconditionally, 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 commend and congratulate Mrs. Joyce Isabelle Green Harrison upon the occasion of her 102nd birthday and extend sincere wishes for her happiness on such a momentous occurrence.

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