House Resolution 114

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JASPER EARL PERRY, AND EXPRESSING 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, Jasper Earl Perry, to rest eternally, 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, Forrest County, particularly the community of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, true public servant and revered educator with the passing of Mr. Jasper Earl Perry, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 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, born in Hattiesburg on August 17, 1943, to the late Ms. Rosa Lee Jones, and raised by Reverend John Henry Chatmon and Mrs. Missouri Chatmon, "Jazz," as he was affectionately called, would later move to Dayton, Ohio, with his grandfather, Jasper Williams, where he completed his formal and secondary education; and

WHEREAS, Jazz strove to apply his best in any endeavor undertaken, which was made evident in his decision to return to Mississippi after his high school graduation to pursue his postsecondary education at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University) on a football scholarship, before heeding the patriotic call of allegiance and duty to this nation by enlisting in the United States Air Force for service during the Vietnam War, where his bravery earned him a Purple Heart Medal; and

WHEREAS, having served his country with pride and distinction, Mr. Perry was honorably discharged from active service, and returned to the native soil of Hattiesburg, where it was written in life's pages of fate and blossoming romance that he would come to experience the luminescence of love effused from the existence of the former Miss Elizabeth Warren, and for whose gift of her heart and hand he bestowed the gift of his last name and enduring affection, upon their marital union in 1969; and

WHEREAS, resolved to complete the journey of collegiate matriculation, Jazz resumed his baccalaureate pursuits at William Carey College (now William Carey University), and was conferred his degree in 1979, and commenced his career as an educator and social worker, which spanned several decades; and

WHEREAS, because Mr. Perry believed in giving back to the community, he strove to make a difference as a trailblazer, he was a dedicated member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and as Sunday School superintendent, in addition to becoming the first African American to run for public office in Hattiesburg in 1979, and subsequently sought the position of Forrest County Supervisor for Beat 4 in 1991; and

WHEREAS, though he has now traversed the river of life to stand in glorious reunion with those who transitioned from life to spiritual immortality before him, the legacy of Mr. Perry will continue to thrive in the fond memories of his survivors, including: wife, Elizabeth Warren Perry; children, Dr. Timothy James (Margaret), Brenda Brown, Torsha Perry and Jacqueline Perry; godson, Dedrick Brooks; grandchildren, Joshua, Autumn, James Jr., Taylor, Michael Jr., and Nicole; siblings, Billie Reid, Otis Perry, Charlie Jones, Harry Jones and Thomas Jones; 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 be renewed in their faith that Mr. Perry fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to 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 such remarkable individuals, as evidenced by the life and merits of Mr. Perry, whose selflessness inspired generations of aspiring talents to become men and women of great rapport in their respective walks of life:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of service of Mr. Jasper Earl Perry, and extend 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. Jasper Earl Perry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.