House Resolution 8

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF MRS. BIRDIE CLARA SPENCER AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Birdie Clara Spencer, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, mentor and surrogate mother to many, born on October 9, 1921, the eldest of five children to Leomy and Carter Smith, departed this earthly life on Thursday, December 30, 2010, to enter into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, having fought the good fight and kept the faith, Mrs. Spencer was a pioneer and forerunner of entrepreneurial success, as she was among one of the first persons to become a licensed cosmetologist in the State of Mississippi, receiving her license on August 7, 1948; and

WHEREAS, as a licensed hairstylist and cosmetologist, Mrs. Birdie operated Birdie's Beauty Shoppe for more than 65 years, and she lived a life of service to her family, church and community, serving as a matriarch and pillar of strength, integrity and humility; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores to gain the reward of being in the Master's presence, the esteemed legacy that was her life will continue to be cherished in the hearts and memories of her loving survivors, including: daughter, Claretha Spencer McKay; six grandchildren, Rufus McKay, Jr., Jacqueline Mims, Carol Williams, Kim McKay, Dean McKay, and Sidney Dixon; 19 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Cecile Woodson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a monumentally iconic figure in the Vicksburg community as Mrs. Spencer, whose life transcended the barriers of race and profession to embrace those in her employ and those she served:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and service of Mrs. Birdie Clara Spencer 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. Spencer and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.