Senate Resolution 35

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF JOHN H. MOSLEY, SR., OF CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE SENATE.

WHEREAS, John H. Mosley, Sr., of Cleveland, Mississippi, departed this earthly life and was promoted to Glory on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, as a legacy of love and community service came to an end; and

WHEREAS, John H. Mosley, Sr., was the 14th of 20 children born to John and Pernella Mosley on June 7, 1921, in Boyle, Mississippi. The family relocated and John completed junior high school at Round Lake, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 26, he married Bertha Malone in 1947. To this marriage, six children were born, five sons and one daughter. This union lasted until her death in December 1999. He began taking care of his family by working as a farmer in Round Lake, Mississippi, and managing the plantation store. He was always looking for opportunities to better himself and provide for his family. Baxter Health Care Corporation (formerly Baxter Travenol) settled in Cleveland, Mississippi, whereby he sought employment and was hired in housekeeping. He held the distinction of being one of the first 10 African-Americans to be hired. He worked his way up to a higher paying position on the line and loading dock. Mr. Mosley also advanced his education by receiving his GED in 1975 while employed at Baxter's. He was a dependable worker for the company for 29 years, four months, and six days; and

WHEREAS, this gentle man was a friend to many people in the community. He had the gift of listening. He championed the struggle for civil rights and voting by becoming an active member of the National and Local Chapter of the NAACP. He was a member of the Cleveland Chapter of the 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta. After his retirement, he worked diligently on community service issues. A lot of times, Mr. Mosley helped his neighbors free of charge; and

WHEREAS, John joined the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Shelby, Mississippi, in 1931. In 1947, he and his wife decided to join the Church of Christ (Holiness), U.S.A., whereby he maintained his membership until death; and

WHEREAS, he loved his church. Locally, he served as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher, Groundskeeper, Treasurer, Church Clerk, and HYPU Leader. He had a heart to work with children and women. For over 15 years, he gave his entire local church members a Christmas card with a monetary gift. His service to the Greenville District Church of Christ was untiring. He was the first Greenville district member to sit on the Diocese Mission Board. He held positions as District Secretary for 10 years, Treasurer for Parent Body, Mission and Sunday School for 25 years, District Sunday School Superintendent, District HYPU President, District Missionary for 12 years, Assistant Superintendent and District Superintendent. He was the only deacon to serve as District Chairman for the Greenville District; and

WHEREAS, Brother Mosley will be sorely missed by: Sylvester (May), Oakland, California; Richard (Bettye), Henrietta Mosley-Watson, Scottie (Alma), John Jr. (Malinda), Earnest (Sandra), all of Cleveland, Mississippi; five sisters: Geneva Mosley, Cleveland, Mississippi; Dorothy Davis and Sarah Echols, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Almeter (Edgar Lee) Marshall, Sikeston, Missouri; Famell Curry, Chicago, Illinois; one brother-in-law, George Smith, Omaha, Nebraska; 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this spiritual and community leader, whose encouragement and direction will be missed:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and humanitarian service of John H. Mosley, Sr., of Cleveland, Mississippi, and express to his surviving family the sympathy of the Senate on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Mosley's surviving family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.