MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hyde-Smith

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CIVIC AND CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JONNIE IRMA BENSON RILEY OF NEW HEBRON, LAWRENCE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Jonnie Irma Benson Riley was born June 30, 1907, in Lawrence County, Mississippi, unto Lola Shows Benson and C. Floyd Benson; and

WHEREAS, she finished New Hebron High School at the age of 15 with highest honors and was an honor student at Women's College in Hattiesburg; and

WHEREAS, she married Vernon L. Riley of New Hebron on October 3, 1928 (Vernon passed away December 10, 1968), and they are the parents of five children (three girls and two boys), 17 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; and

WHEREAS, she taught Sunday School for 40 years and served as a pianist for 35 years, and has been an active member of the Baptist Church for 80 years; and

WHEREAS, she has been past President of the local PTA, member of Evergreen Garden Club, sponsor of Acteens and Girl Reserve organizations, and President of the Fifth Area YWCA; and

WHEREAS, during her 52 years as a member of Mississippi Federation of Women's Club, she attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration as State President, presided over the 75th Celebration and was an active participant in the 100th Celebration; and

WHEREAS, under her Federation leadership, New Hebron installed streetlights, lights in the cemetery, street names and markers, and house numbers; and won a second place award in General Federation. She was instrumental in fundraising for the town public library. She is the only charter member of New Hebron Club still active in Federation work; and

WHEREAS, she served on the ETV Board of Directors; when the ETV Bill was seriously in jeopardy of failing, she joined other club women in making phone calls, sending telegrams and personal visits to the Legislators; and

WHEREAS, she donated land on Main Street of New Hebron for construction of the City Hall and the Fire Station; and provided land for a city park to be furbished by local civic groups; and

WHEREAS, she served on the Mississippi Status of Women's Commission, appointed by Governor William Waller; and

WHEREAS, she was a member of Citizens Control of Federal Spending during the term of President Richard Nixon; and

WHEREAS, she has been a member of the Order of the Easter Star (OES) since 1933. Serving as Worthy Matron several times, was Secretary for 20 years and served in several other offices of the local order. On the state level, she served as District Deputy Grand Matron, Grand Organist, and in 1955, was elected Worthy Grand Matron of Mississippi OES. She concluded her term by presiding over the Golden Anniversary Session Grand Chapter held in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, she served on the International Temple Committee of General Chapter from 1973 through 1976, and has attended General Grand Chapter consecutively since the 1949 Session held in Toronto, Canada. She was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mississippi and General Chapter at the 1999 meeting in Detroit, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, she served as Chairman of the Ritual Committee, the Jurisprudence Committee and the Hospitality Committee on the State level in OES; and

WHEREAS, she served on the Board of Trustees of the Rob Morris Little Red School House for five years, and was Chairman when the Caretakers Residence was built; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the uninterrupted civic leadership and charitable contributions of this great lady who has brought honor to 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 commend the civic and charitable contributions of Jonnie Irma Benson Riley of New Hebron, Lawrence County, Mississippi, as an example to all citizens of Mississippi, and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jonnie Irma Benson Riley and her family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.