Senate Resolution 80

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DEEP AND HEARTFELT SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JANE MILLER PHILO, WHO WAS A LONGTIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GULF COAST CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE, NAMED IN HER HONOR.

WHEREAS, we join the citizens of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in mourning the passing of Mrs. Jane Miller Philo, respected advocate for victims of domestic violence, on March 9, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Jane was born in Plattsburg, New York, on October 31, 1938, to Viola Holbrook Miller and Roy Miller. It was there Jane met and married her husband of 62 years, John D. "Dave" Philo. Jane and Dave traveled extensively with his career in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Maine, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Maryland and Turkey, and finally settled in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in 1977; and

WHEREAS, Jane pursued an advanced education, receiving Master's degrees from Troy University and The University of Southern Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, during her studies, she became involved with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, where she served as Executive Director for over 20 years. It was there that Jane made her most lasting impact. During her tenure with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, she was responsible for the program progressing into one of the most innovative and comprehensive programs serving victims of interpersonal violence in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Jan also served as President of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In her work, Jane was a champion and leader in promoting the interests and preserving the dignity of victims of crime; and

WHEREAS, Jane played a vital role in the development of Mississippi's laws, practices and attitudes related to the response to domestic violence. Her effect on the lives of countless women, children and men through her work simply cannot be overstated; and

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2023, the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence held a ceremony and reception dedicating Jane's House in honor of former Executive Director Jane Philo, who worked tirelessly to ensure women in abuse situations found a way out and received proper care. More than 20,000 women, children and men have received services through shelter and nonresidential programs since it opened, and approximately 12,000 children, adolescents and adults attend violence prevention sessions annually; and

WHEREAS, Jane is survived by her loving husband, Dave, and their daughter, Heather Philo Wagner (Jeff). She will be greatly missed by all who knew her; and

WHEREAS, Jane's life and tireless social service have been an inspiration to all citizens of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and have brought honor to her family, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the deep and heartfelt sympathy of the Mississippi Senate to the surviving family and friends of Jane Miller Philo, who was a longtime Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, named in her honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Jane Miller Philo, forwarded to the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.