Senate Resolution 41

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING WILLIE H. JEFFERSON UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM ELLISVILLE STATE SCHOOL AFTER MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF DEDICATED, DILIGENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL RETARDATION.

WHEREAS, Willie H. Jefferson, born June 24, 1956, in Jones County, Mississippi, to Mr. Tom Jefferson and the late Mrs. Ella M. Jefferson, has been described by Dr. Suzie Lassiter, Director of Ellisville State School, "as a true leader, an individual who leads by example and a man of integrity who always puts the needs of Ellisville State School first"; and

WHEREAS, "with over 30 years of service to Ellisville State School, Mr. Jefferson is known by his peers to be intelligent, hardworking, loyal, friendly and concerned about the quality of care for the citizens who suffer from mental retardation," said Dr. Albert R. Hendrix, Executive Director of the Department of Mental Health; and

WHEREAS, having completed 58 hours of course work at Jones County Junior College, Mr. Jefferson transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Rehabilitation Services and subsequently earned his Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from William Carey College; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jefferson, who is a Certified Mental Health Therapist and licensed Nursing Home Administrator, commenced his employment with Ellisville State School in June 1973 as a security officer, but his determination and perseverance to be of greater assistance to address the needs and improve the accommodations of the mentally retarded allowed him to progress within the institution; and

WHEREAS, since his employment with Ellisville State School began, Mr. Jefferson has served in many capacities, including facility maintenance repair, Residential Program Services Supervisor, Nursing Home Administrator, Coordinator of Health Facility, Division Director II and Facility Assistant Director, a position that he has held since 1992; and

WHEREAS, the recipient of the MAAMR Paul D. Cotten, Ph.D. Leadership Award for his commitment and contribution to service for Mississippians with mental retardation, Mr. Jefferson is a former member of the Mississippi Development Disabilities Planning Council, former member of the Jones County Extension Service Advisory Board, member of the American Association of Mental Retardation, member of the Ellisville State School Human Rights Advocacy Committee and liason for the Ellisville State School Human Rights Advocacy Committee; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jefferson, while fulfilling his duties and obligations to Ellisville State School, also used his time and faculties to perform consultation services for South Mississippi Regional Center, training and facility programming and documentation at North Mississippi Regional Center and worked as Nursing Home Administrator at Boswell Regional Center; and

WHEREAS, a faithfully devoted member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where he has added strength to the church by serving on the deacon board, Mr. Jefferson spends his spare time working at his laundry business and at his church; and

WHEREAS, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he has been loved, supported and encouraged by his family, including his wife, Barbara McLaurin Jefferson; daughters, Cynthia and Monica Jefferson; and grandson, Da’Dreon Jefferson; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize this citizen, whose life of public service has touched many individuals and families throughout the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the dedicated and committed service of Willie H. Jefferson to the State of Mississippi and Ellisville State School, congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement and extend our warmest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Mr. Jefferson, forwarded to Ellisville State School and be made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.