House Resolution 53

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF REVEREND LEFFIE D. BASS, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Reverend Leffie D. Bass, Jr., born in Simpson County, Mississippi, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Leffie D. Bass, Sr., the third child of 12 children, departed this earthly life on Thursday, March 3, 2011, to enter into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, raised in a family that stressed the importance of education as a means of changing one's outlook and success in life, Reverend Bass attended Mary C. Jones Headstart and C.M. & I. College, before matriculating further at the University of Michigan, where he received a certificate in government; and

WHEREAS, in the fulfillment of his divine purpose designed for his life by the Great Deity, he answered his call to preach in 1959, and was active in the ministry for approximately 50 years, evidencing the prophetic scriptural reference of Matthew 22:14, "For many are called, but few are chosen."; and

WHEREAS, a loyalist to God and his family, Reverend Bass also pledged his allegiance to the protection of our nation's rights and freedom as a member of the United States Armed Forces from 1953-1955, and became a hero for democracy as a veteran of the Korean War, for which his service was honored with the Corporal Title and two of the highest medals, the Korean Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, after his discharge in 1955, Reverend Bass entered the Civil Rights Movement and participated in numerous protests and marches, having marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other continued efforts to fight for equality of African Americans in society; and

WHEREAS, though he has now traversed the river of life, to lay down the battle sword of life's travailings, the legacy of his memory will forever live as it has become intricately woven in the fabrics of the lives of his loving survivors: wife, Mrs. Jeanette Carey-Bass; sons, Leffie D. Bass III, Bernard J. Bass and Jabbar P. Bass; several grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such an outstanding and selfless individual as Reverend Bass, whose life was a testament of hope and an inspiration for all privileged to have been his acquaintance:

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 Reverend Leffie D. Bass, Jr., 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 Reverend Bass and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.