MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Clarke, Akins, Aldridge, Arinder, Bailey, Baker (74th), Baker (8th), Banks, Barnett, Beckett, Blackmon, Bondurant, Bounds, Broomfield, Brown, Buck, Burnett, Calhoun, Carlton, Chism, Clark, Cockerham, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Compretta, Cummings, Davis, Dedeaux, Denny, Dickson, Eaton, Ellington, Ellis, Espy, Evans, Fillingane, Flaggs, Fleming, Formby, Franks, Fredericks, Frierson, Gadd, Gibbs, Gregory, Guice, Gunn, Hamilton (109th), Hamilton (6th), Harrison, Hines, Holland, Holloway, Horne, Howell, Huddleston, Hudson, Ishee, Janus, Jennings, Johnson, Lane, Lott, Malone, Markham, Martinson, Masterson, Mayhall, Mayo, McBride, McCoy, Middleton, Miles, Mims, Moak, Montgomery, Moore, Morris, Moss, Myers, Nicholson, Norquist, Parker, Patterson, Peranich, Perkins, Read, Reed, Reeves, Reynolds, Robinson (63rd), Robinson (84th), Rogers (14th), Rogers (61st), Rotenberry, Scott, Shows, Simpson, Smith (27th), Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Snowden, Staples, Stevens, Straughter, Stringer, Sullivan, Thomas, Turner, Upshaw, Vince, Walley, Ward, Warren, Watson, Weathersby, Wells-Smith, Woods, Young, Zuber

House Concurrent Resolution 1

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY, CONTRIBUTIONS AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF A TRUE SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE, OUR FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE, REPRESENTATIVE MAY RINGOLD WHITTINGTON, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

     WHEREAS, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Representative May Ringold Whittington, who became a member of the Mississippi legislative body in 2000, serving in the House of Representatives as the voice of her constituents in District 34, comprised of  Carroll, Holmes, Humphreys, Leflore, Montgomery and Washington Counties, departed this earthly life to enter eternal rest with her heavenly father, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

     WHEREAS, Vice Chairwoman of the House Constitution Committee, Representative Whittington, a licensed counselor, possessed a great insight into family issues, as she was a champion of women's and children's causes throughout her years of service; and

     WHEREAS, May represented and exemplified the best traits of a representative, prioritizing the issues so important to her district and working tirelessly to impact the public policy that would benefit them; but above all she cared; and

     WHEREAS, her tenacious determination and unwavering spirit in her bout with cancer, inspired her colleagues to appreciate the simple treasures in life, such as life itself, as she persevered fervently to press her way to the Capitol each day during session to take care of the people's business; and

     WHEREAS, a founding member of the "Raucus Caucus," along with Representatives Cecil Brown, John Mayo and former Representative Jay Eads, May Whittington was known as an advocate for education, public health, the rights of crime victims and historic preservation efforts; and

     WHEREAS, even in her waning hours of failing health, May heeded the call of action just days before her life's demise, as she endeavored to assist a constituent faced with a visitation dilemma, epitomizing selfless service and humanitarian zeal; and

     WHEREAS, though she traversed life's river to now obtain eternal life, her legacy, contributions and service will be greatly missed but forever cherished by those who were fortunate to be touched by her presence, including husband:  C. Aven Whittington, Jr.; sons, Joshua Spencer Glazer and C. Aven Whittington III; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds it most appropriate to commend the life of our dear friend and colleague, May Whittington, with whom we've shared the experiences of life's trials and triumphs as can only be experienced in the fraternal organization afforded by the auspices of the Mississippi Legislature, in the hallowed hallways under the State Capitol's golden eagle topped dome:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy, contributions and service of this giant of a woman, Representative May Ringold Whittington, 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 Representative Whittington and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.