Senate Concurrent Resolution 502

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF JANIE ELIZABETH GAVIN GARTIN OF LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, WIFE OF THE LATE THREE-TERM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CARROLL GARTIN, AND TO PUBLICLY EXPRESS OUR BEREAVEMENT AND EXTEND OUR PERSONAL SYMPATHY AND AFFECTION TO HER SURVIVING FAMILY.

WHEREAS, Janie Elizabeth Gavin Gartin of Laurel, Mississippi, wife of the late three-term Lieutenant Governor Carroll Gartin, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gartin was born in Ovett, Mississippi, and grew up in Richton and Stafford Springs. She attended Visitation Academy in Mobile, Alabama, and furthered her education at the University of Alabama where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.A. Degree; and

WHEREAS, she married Laurel Attorney Carroll Gartin, who served three terms as Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, moving to Laurel after World War II, Mrs. Gartin assumed an active role in all phases of community life, including memberships in the Nahoula Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Life Associate member of the Laurel Junior Auxiliary, which honored her as Queen at its Annual Ball in 1968; the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art; and the Laurel Arts League. She helped organize the Northwood Garden Club and was a member of the Laurel Garden Club. She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Garden Club of America. She also served on the Board of Trustees of the State Garden Club. She was on the Board of Directors of the YWCA; the Board of Adjustments for the Laurel Zoning Board; and the Board of Trustees for William Carey College. She was a member of the Official Women's Club of Mississippi and a loyal member of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Laurel where she served in many capacities, such as Sunday School teacher, President of the Baptist City Federation of the Women's Missionary Union, Circle Chairman and she worked with the Girls Auxiliary; and

WHEREAS, along with her husband, Mrs. Gartin served unselfishly in the religious, educational, cultural, patriotic and civic affairs of her community and state. Lt. Governor Gartin was affectionately admired and respected over his many years of public service and at the time of his untimely death in office, he had spent his entire adult life in the service of his government, including Municipal Judge, two-term Mayor, Wartime Combat Army Officer, three-term Lieutenant Governor, and acting Governor during his 11-year tenure; and

WHEREAS, she is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia Gartin Blair and William Key Blair of Columbus; one son, William Carroll Gartin, Jr., of Jackson; two grandchildren, William Key Blair, Jr., and his wife, Sandi, of Columbus; and Carroll Blair Stockett and her husband, Rob, of Jackson; a sister, Anita Gavin Barfield of Jackson; a sister-in-law, Josee Gavin of Jackson; and four great-grandchildren, Bentley McClain Blair and Erika Lauren Dale of Columbus, and Elizabeth Blair Stockett and Robert Carter Nicholas Stockett IV of Jackson; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of a well-known Mississippi citizen who was respected for her devotion to family, community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of Janie Elizabeth Gavin Gartin, wife of the late three-term Lieutenant Governor Carroll Gartin, and do hereby publicly express our bereavement and extend our personal sympathy and affection to her surviving family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mrs. Carroll Gartin and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.