MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Barnett (92nd)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. JOHN DOW, SR., OF BROOKHAVEN AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING. 

WHEREAS, Mr. John Dow, Sr., of Brookhaven, Mississippi, an educator and civic leader, departed this life on December 21, 1997, causing great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. John Dow, Sr., one of three children, was born to Willie and Bessie Arnold Dow of Brookhaven on February 18, 1922; and

WHEREAS, after graduation from Alexander High School, Mr. Dow furthered his education at South Carolina State College, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree and completed his Master of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dow's career in education began at Alexander High School in 1950 as an assistant coach, physical education and mathematics teacher and as an adult education teacher; and

WHEREAS, serving as head football coach for six years as well as his teaching, in 1958, Mr. Dow was appointed principal of Fannie L. Mullins Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, in 1977, Mr. Dow was appointed principal of Alexander Junior High School, where he remained until his appointment as assistant superintendent in 1981; and

WHEREAS, although Mr. Dow retired from education in 1986, he continued to be involved in the enhancement of educating the youth of the Brookhaven community; and

WHEREAS, among being the first black appointee to the Copiah-Lincoln Community College District Board of Trustees, Mr. Dow was associated with several organizations including Natchez Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Brookhaven Breakfast Kiwanis Club, AARP and an outreach ministry known as R.O.T.A.P.; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being a dedicated educator, Mr. Dow united with the Saint James Missionary Baptist Church in 1958, where he served faithfully as a member of the Deacons Ministry, Trustee Ministry, Board of Directors, Finance Chairman, Adult Sunday School Teacher and Organizer of the Brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, having been faithfully committed to the church's building program, Mr. Dow worked successfully in the procurement of a new religious facility; and

WHEREAS, Mr. John Dow is survived by his wife, Leona Allen Dow, three children, John, Kermit, Patricia and five grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi believes that it is most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding educator and citizen as Mr. John Dow, Sr., one who devoted his life to helping teach others and serving his church in many capacities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the life and accomplishments of Mr. John Dow, Sr., are hereby memorialized for the State of Mississippi as a true example of a faithful educator whose long and distinguished career epitomizes a life rich in achievement and service to his fellowman.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives does hereby express and extend heartfelt sympathy to the devoted wife, family and friends of Mr. John Dow, Sr., for their loss.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. John Dow, Sr., and the Capitol Press Corps.