House Resolution 3

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND MEMORY OF MRS. MYRTIS BARNES MAGEE AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Myrtis Barnes Magee, born August 15, 1944, in Tylertown, Mississippi, to the union of the late Ned and Hettie Conerly Barnes, departed this earthly life on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, to enter into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father, bringing great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, at an early age, Mrs. Magee devoted her life to Christ and thereafter worked diligently and faithfully in the Christian vineyard as a lifelong member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities, including serving as a trustee, member of the Women's Mission and finance committee chairperson; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Magee completed her education in Walthall County at J.J. Gulledge High School and soon thereafter gained employment at Walthall General Hospital, where she worked for many years before attending cosmetology school in Columbia to become a licensed beautician, which ultimately allowed her to become an entrepreneur as owner and proprietor of Magee Beauty Salon for 35 years; and

WHEREAS, living her life in accordance with the season, time and purpose of the ecclesiastical prescription, Mrs. Magee's time to propose love was birthed when her life intersected with that of Frederick Magee, Sr., and the two enjoyed a marriage season spanning more than 37 years after being united to become bone of each other's bone and flesh of each other's flesh on July 4, 1972, until it was ordained by God to summon her from labor to rest; and

WHEREAS, heralded as a loving mother of three children, a wonderful and sharing neighbor, a matriarchal heroine of her community, she, like the Good Samaritan, poured into the lives of others, caring for those in need, sharing from her garden, preparing meals, spreading cheer and wisdom through family anecdotes, and encouraging and challenging youth to strive for excellence and to allow that excellence to be of benefit to others; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Magee's passion for life remained an infectious catalyst that impacted the lives of every individual privileged to have met her and share the joy of her company, as her morals and work ethic transcended barriers and generations as evidenced through her volunteerism with FHA at Southwest Community College, work with the Walthall County Chamber of Commerce and memberships with the Dairy Month Membership Drive and the PTSA Board; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores in a long awaited reunion with her parents and siblings who preceded her in life's final transition, the legacy of her memory continues to enrich the lives of her loving survivors: devoted husband of 37 years, Frederick Magee, Sr.; two daughters, Angela Magee Fairley and Sharon Denise Magee; son, Frederick Magee, Jr.; two grandchildren, Joe (J.J.) and Adrianna; five sisters; five sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; and numerous other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a noble and caring individual as Mrs. Magee, whose life was a beacon of light, inspiration and love:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and memory of Mrs. Myrtis Barnes Magee 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 Mrs. Magee and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.