House Resolution 124

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF INFLUENTIAL AND ICONIC DELTA COMMUNITY LEADER, MR. BENNIE L. JONES, SR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, the Mississippi Delta mourned the loss of one of its most influential and iconic community leaders, Bennie L. Jones, Sr., age 86, born on August 29, 1923, to Alonzo and Lula Gardner Jones, who departed this earthly life to enter into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father, bringing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Merigold, Mississippi, Mr. Jones was a devout Christian, devoted servant of God, beloved father, grandfather, brother, community leader and friend, whose commitment to his family, Christian duties and spiritual conviction were equally paralleled by his loyalty and patriotism to his state and nation, as evidenced by his service in the United States Army upon his graduation from high school; and

WHEREAS, continuing in the tradition of his father and grandfather before him, Mr. Jones developed a love for the "land" and an agrarian lifestyle, which culminated in his decision to become a farmer, which in turn afforded him the opportunity to serve more than 30 years with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as an agent for crop reporting services and earned him the distinct honor of becoming the first African-American enumerator for the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in the fulfillment of the ecclesiastical word spoken by the Grand Architect of the Universe in Genesis 2:18 that, "It is not good that man should be alone.," Mr. Jones married Fannie Heard Jones in 1944, with whom he shared 51 years of matrimonial delight and was blessed with 15 fruits of their union before the Lord called her from her earthly labor to heavenly reward on December 23, 1995; and

WHEREAS, a faithful member of Lampton Street Church of Christ in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, where he served as teacher, secretary, treasurer, song leader, deacon and elder, Mr. Jones was a legendary community leader and iconic civil rights activist, who held several key affiliations and served in numerous memberships and positions in such organizations as the American Legion for over 60 years; the Masonic Lodge; the Bolivar County Board of the Farm Service Agency for more than 21 years; Boy Scouts; Parent Teacher's Association for Hayes Cooper Elementary School and East Side High School; and one of the founders and long-term board member and officer for the Bolivar County Recreation Conservation League; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life, to now stand upon golden heavenly shores, where he has placed his staff in the sands of eternity and has laid his Christian banner upon the altar of forgiveness, the legacy of his memory will continue to be cherished by his loving survivors, including his children: Bennie L. Jones, Jr., Willie Jones, Abraham Jones, Amanzo Jones, Charlene Jones Byrd, Evelyn Jones Busby, Alex Jones, Dr. Loretta Jones Gunn, R. Douglas Jones, Mary Jones, Charles Jones, Linda Jones Washington, Larry Jones and Dr. Lillian Jones; 21 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Della Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a loving and gentle soul as Mr. Jones, whose life exuded the essence of spiritual kindness, wise counsel and innate compassion akin to the love and compassion shown to the world by Jesus Christ, who freely gave his life for mankind:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of the influential and iconic Delta community leader, Mr. Bennie L. Jones, Sr., 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. Jones and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.