Senate Resolution 83

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DEEP AND HEARTFELT SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF VETERAN MOUND BAYOU TEACHER ANNA JACKSON WASHINGTON-LEE WHO WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATOR AT PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, we join the family and friends in mourning the passing of veteran Mound Bayou Educator Mrs. Anna Jackson Washington-Lee who passed away peacefully at her home in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, on March 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, born in Bentonia, Mississippi, on September 19, 1917, Mrs. Lee attended school in Sunflower County, Mississippi. She graduated from Jackson State College and later earned a Master's Degree at Delta State University. She was a loving mother, adoring grandmother, loving aunt, enthusiastic teacher and loyal friend. She found her life's fulfillment in teaching and was an advocate for expanding education beyond the classroom; and

WHEREAS, though her home was in Mound Bayou, her influence and heart extended to the students in Cleveland, Mississippi, where she worked with the students at Nailor Elementary School for years, and she was the first African American teacher at Parks Elementary School in Cleveland, Mississippi. In 1970, she courageously forged the way for other African American teachers' opportunities; and

WHEREAS, her career as a teacher spanned 43 years and with enthusiasm, she looked for talent, gifts and potential in her daughter, her grandson, family members, church, students and in the community; and

WHEREAS, in 1966, Mrs. Washington-Lee's only child, Shirl Antoinette Washington was the first African American student to enroll and graduate from Delta State College in Cleveland, Mississippi. In 1998, Mrs. Washington-Lee and her three-year-old great-grandson, Kristopher, were used on a poster to encourage citizens to vote. Mrs. Washington-Lee's legacy includes working as a teacher for the beginners class at Bethel A.M.E. Church, starting and supervising a Mound Bayou Girl Scout Troop and coordinating many youth oratorical and spelling bee activities with Knights & Daughters of Tabor in Mound Bayou; and

WHEREAS, after more than four decades as a public elementary school teacher, she retired, yet continued to work in the community. She served on Boards with the Bolivar County Recreation Conservation League and the Bolivar County Retired Teachers' Association, NAACP, Jackson State Alumni Association and Knights & Daughters of Tabor. She was a longtime President of the Mound Bayou Cemetery Committee who coordinated community responsibility for keeping and preserving the final resting places of our ancestors; and

WHEREAS, at 103 years old, Mrs. Washington-Lee proudly attended the swearing in of her only grandchild, Leighton Aldridge, as Mayor of the City of Mound Bayou. Standing nearby at the ceremony was her two-year-old great-great-granddaughter, Kehlani; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington-Lee was a gracious woman, who attained honor. Mrs. Anna Washington-Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Cobert and Mrs. Lillie B. Jackson; her daughter, Shirl Ann Washington Aldridge; her sisters, Mrs. Eva D. Byas, Mrs. Earline J. Hill, Miss Mildred Jackson and Mrs. Willie B. Braugher; brothers, Mr. Lee Floyd Jackson, Mr. McClira Jackson, Mr. Nolester Jackson, Mr. Vernon Jackson, Mr. Tyree Jackson and Garfield Jackson, who died at birth. She is survived by her youngest brother, Mr. Cobert Jackson, Jr.; her only grandchild, Mayor Leighton Aldridge; great-grandchildren: Ashleigh, Kristopher, Kristian, Miracle, Alyssa, Kyle and Karter; great-great-grandchildren: Jreland, Kehlani and Isis; three special goddaughters: Kennedi, Alyssa and Reagan; as well as numerous other relatives, nieces, nephews, students and friends; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited educator of the Mississippi Delta, whose civic energy will be missed by all:

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 on the passing of veteran Mound Bayou teacher Anna Jackson Washington-Lee, who was the first African American educator at Parks Elementary School in Cleveland, Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mrs. Washington-Lee, forwarded to the West Bolivar School District Board and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.