MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harden

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF GIRLIA LEE GRIFFITH BRINSON OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Girlia Lee Griffith Brinson was born in Covington County on March 17, 1917, to the late Milton and Arlena Jones Griffith. Growing up in Mt. Olive, she attended school there and graduated as Valedictorian of her class; and

WHEREAS, we pause here today to pay our last respects to our departed friend, associate and neighbor, who departed this life on Tuesday, March 16, 1999. We can say, without fear or contradiction, that, in the passing of this deceased, a pure, sweet soul is at rest. A full day's work finished, being weary of the burdens of life, the God whom she served so devotedly, sent down from the shining courts of glory, a beautiful Glorified Messenger with orders to release from its suffering decaying body, wracked with pain and agony, a Christian Spirit, a sanctified soul that has long been imprisoned in its house of clay and caused a sleep of which only God knows the awakening. Realizing the need for spiritual guidance, Girlia accepted Christ early in her life and united with Harmony M.B. Church. As an adult, she served as Vice-President and Treasurer of the Home Mission; and

WHEREAS, of all beautiful things in life, the most beautiful is character, and she who possesses a beautiful character is worthy of notice. A beautiful life is the fruit of a beautiful character; she whom we memorialize here at this time possessed a beautiful character; and lived a beautiful life, she died a beautiful death. She of whom I speak is the late Girlia Lee Griffith Brinson; and

WHEREAS, to my mind the highest tribute that can be paid to any woman is, that she was loved by her fellowman. Truly, this is the sentiment of all who knew this gallant and noble Christian lady and noble citizen, Girlia Lee Griffith Brinson, our friend, big sister and civil leader; and

WHEREAS, with a lasting gratitude for her exemplary life, her tireless and unselfish labor among us; the good she did, the things she taught, and the inspiration we imbibed; we dedicate this hour. She was a hero for God, possessed with the Abrahamic type of faith, filled with the spirit of her Christ, she was a friend to all; free from deceit and met all with a kindly smile; and

WHEREAS, she was a hard worker. She sought to help and encourage all who needed such. She was always busy, and ever alert to find something to do, or a word to encourage; and

WHEREAS, when one has given his or her life for a good cause, bestowing freely and unselfishly his or her talent, influence and time for the betterment of the community in which they live, touching all phases of the religious, social and civic life of the people, death is momentous; and

WHEREAS, on her graduation day, Girlia united in Holy Matrimony with the late Lanfus Brinson, a hard-working farmer and humble housewife, this union produced eleven children: three daughters, Gloria B. Treadway, Duarte, California; Arlenia B. Jones, Bristol, Pennsylvania; and Patsy Brinson, Mt. Olive, Mississippi; eight sons, Daris Brinson, Eddie C. Brinson and Ozel Brinson, of Mt. Olive, Mississippi; Reverend Keith Brinson, Collins, Mississippi; Duet Brinson, Seattle, Washington; Clyde Brinson, Duarte, California; Gregory Brinson, Norwalk, California; and Carl Brinson, Azusa, California; and

WHEREAS, other survivors include one sister, Mrs. Vonceal G. McLaurin, Columbia, Mississippi; one brother, Jemel Griffith of Jackson, Mississippi; forty-eight grandchildren; cousins; nieces; nephews; and friends. Girlia had five brothers who preceded her in death:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That even as we mourn Girlia Lee Griffith Brinson's passing, we are resigned to the all-wise Heavenly Father's will.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we express our gratitude to God for having left this beautiful life among us for a time to blossom out and bless us with its sweetness and righteousness, like the fragrance of a rose.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we express to the family and relatives who grieve today our deep sympathy in their loss and the reminder that their loss is heaven's gain.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of the deceased.