House Resolution 130

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ERNEST L. WHITE AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Ernest L. White, of Belzoni, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on Friday, March 23, 2007, at the age of 96, to enter into eternal rest, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, one of the first civil rights leaders of Humphreys County, Mr. White was an advocate and member of the NAACP who has been labeled a speaker of wisdom, as he is remembered by his motto: "Never say no to what will help others"; and

WHEREAS, he was one of the founding members of Friends of Children of Mississippi, Inc., where he served as the organization's vice chairman and a board member for over 30 years, in addition to being a proponent of education as evidenced by his board membership on the Mississippi Action for Community Education; and

WHEREAS, Mr. White was a board member of the Humphreys County Farmers Corp. and the Humphreys County Union for Progress of Belzoni, Mississippi, and as a result of his insight and business savvy, served on the advisory committee for the Mississippi Economic Development Board and the South Delta Planning and Development Board; and

WHEREAS, the first African American elected to the office of Alderman of Belzoni, Mississippi, Mr. White was committed to the works of a public servant and served as a board member of the Sunflower–Humphreys County for Progress and an advisory member of Mississippi Legal Services; and

WHEREAS, having confessed an early faith in Jesus, Mr. White was a longtime member of the Wolf Lake Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and chairman of the deacon board for many years; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores, the legacy of his memory will continue to thrive in the lives of his loving survivors, including: son, Dr. Vanden E. White; brother, Emmitt White; sisters, Beatrice Roots, Earnestine Johnson and Selma White; one grandson; and four granddaughters; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a selfless individual as Mr. White, whose life was characterized by his service while holding fast to the true meaning of a people's servant:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of Mr. Ernest L. White and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

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