House Resolution 14

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MATTIE SUE DELANEY AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mattie Sue Delaney, born February 1, 1927, in Avalon, Mississippi, to the late Johnnie and Ethel Williams, departed this earthly life on Sunday, September 25, 2005, to enter into eternal rest with her heavenly father, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, making Cruger, Mississippi, her permanent place of abode, Mrs. Delaney married Louis Delaney in 1944 and to their union nine children were born: Louis, Jr., Celia, Mattie, Doris, David, Johnnie, Andrew, Gloria and Mary; and

WHEREAS, a faithful member and church mother of Meeks First Baptist Church, Mrs. Delaney, a former secretary of the Holmes County Chapter of NAACP, personal and political liaison for her community and county and member of the Holmes County Freedom Democratic Party, was the cornerstone of the Cruger Community; and

WHEREAS, having taken an active part during the turbulent 1960s in the Civil Rights Movement, Mrs. Delaney spearheaded a summer enrichment program to expose Holmes County youth to different cultures and backgrounds by living with different families in Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, undergoing courses at Jackson State University in "Community Service" to learn how to better serve her community, Mrs. Delaney leaves behind a legacy of one who fed the hungry, gave a drink of water to the thirsty, sheltered strangers, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and incarcerated; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the rivers of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores, the legacy of her memory will thrive in the hearts of her survivors as well as the countless thousands of Holmes Countians and Mississippians alike, who are benefiting from her works; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a remarkable and giving individual as Mrs. Delaney, whose life was a testament of faith and works:

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Delaney and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.