MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Thomas, Harden, Horhn, Walls, Jordan, Jackson (32nd), Frazier, Simmons, Turner, Jackson (11th)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF MRS. JESSIE B. SIMS CONERLY OF MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE SENATE.
WHEREAS, Mrs. Jessie B. Sims Conerly of McComb, Mississippi, mother of State Senator Kelvin Butler, departed this earthly life on Sunday, March 4, 2007; and
WHEREAS, she was born March 14, 1934, to Luther and Mammie Ellzey Sims in Magnolia, Mississippi. At an early age she joined New Zion Baptist Church in Magnolia, Mississippi. She later united with Society Hill Baptist Church in McComb, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Conerly graduated from Pike County Agricultural School; Breland School of Cosmetology in Columbia, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Conerly was very active in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and was the first African-American female to be employed by Kellwood Company in Fernwood, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, she was a licensed beautician, foster mother and operated a day care from her home. Mrs. Conerly was a member of Eastern Star, WMU, Women Federated Club, Elks, former member of Pacesetters Club, 4-H Club Leader and Campaign Manager for her son's campaign for Alderman in Magnolia (1991) and State Senator for District 38 in 2003; and
WHEREAS, she loved her children and grandchildren and she found joy cooking for her family; and
WHEREAS, she was united in holy matrimony to Obiedee Conerly. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Sharon (Snoddy) Kitchen; five sisters, Jenell Taylor, Mammie Berry, Carolyn Andrews, TeeElla Walker and Lugenia McMurty; two brothers, George and Hollis Sims; one grandson, Reginald Sandifer; and one daughter-in-law, Doris Butler. She leaves to cherish her memory to her husband, Obiedee Conerly of Magnolia, Mississippi; two sons, Senator Kelvin Butler of Magnolia, Mississippi, and Bernadette Manyfield of Los Angeles, California; one daughter and son-in-law, Tamra Faye and Ronnie Williams of McComb, Mississippi; seven grandchildren, Kelvin, Jr., Kendric and Destiny Butler of Magnolia, Mississippi, Ethan and Carleon Williams of McComb, Mississippi, Joy La'Rae Bates and Dea Rene' Tobias of Magnolia, Mississippi; two great-grandchildren, Kya Tion and LaTavion Butler of McComb, Mississippi; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that we note the passing of this Mississippi citizen whose legacy is a lifetime of selfless service to her family and community:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and civic contributions of Mrs. Jessie B. Sims Conerly of McComb, Mississippi, and express the sympathy of the Senate to her surviving family on her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Kelvin Butler representing the surviving family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.