MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Watson

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF MS. SARAH HARRIS RUFFIN AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Ms. Sarah Harris Ruffin departed this life on January 16, 1999, causing a great loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Ruffin, a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was the daughter of Douglas and Elizabeth Harris and was born on April 15, 1914; and

WHEREAS, after graduating as an honor student from Eureka High School, Ms. Ruffin attended the Central School of Nursing in New York City, where she became a licensed nurse; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Ruffin graduated with honors and began her long and distinguished nursing career, culminating with retirement from the New York City Board of Health in 1975; and

WHEREAS, faithfully involved in her church, Ms. Ruffin was a devoted member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and Zion Baptist Church, where she was a member for fifty years; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Ruffin, a genuine and caring individual, actively lobbied for greatly needed state and federal funding for our senior citizen care, and programs for women and children; and

WHEREAS, understanding the importance of a college education, Ms. Ruffin insured that her sister's children would graduate from college; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding woman as Ms. Sarah Harris Ruffin, a woman who dedicated her life to helping others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of Ms. Sarah Harris Ruffin and express our deepest sympathy to her family upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Ms. Sarah Harris Ruffin and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.