House Resolution 26

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF MRS. JULIA OTIS AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Julia Griffin Otis, First Lady of Tupelo, departed this earthly life on Friday, January 28, 2005, to enter into eternal rest with her heavenly father, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born July 1, 1939, to Dr. and Mrs. William Roy Griffin of Columbus, Mrs. Otis attended public school in Columbus, graduating from S.D. Lee High School in 1957, whereafter she attended Mississippi State College for Women and graduated with a B.S. Degree in English; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Otis was active in her local church, Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught preschool children for 33 years and had a special interest in promoting preschool Bible study in Sunday School, which led to her selection as a conference leader for preschool children for the Mississippi Baptist Convention to lead conferences across the state; and

WHEREAS, possessing an ardent interest in both foreign and domestic missions' activities, Mrs. Otis' strong belief in missions led her to serve as a mission team member to Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica and Zimbabwe in Africa; and

WHEREAS, married to Larry Otis for 48 years, Mrs. Otis, although qualified as an English teacher, chose to be a homemaker and mother to her children: Keith, Cavett, Chris and Kate; and

WHEREAS, the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow honor by the Tupelo Rotary Club in 2004, Mrs. Otis will be remembered by her enthusiasm and zeal for gardening, as well as her outgoing spirit of giving of herself and her time; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of Mrs. Otis' memory will continue to be cherished in the hearts and memories of her husband, four children, and five grandchildren: Leslie, Laura, Will, Cooper and Emma Grace; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to commend the lives of such unselfish and giving individuals as Mrs. Otis, whose life was just like the rose she greatly admired, spreading a sweet fragrance of love and displaying the radiant beauty of life:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of Mrs. Julia Otis and express our deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mayor Larry Otis to be cherished on behalf of the family and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.