House Resolution 141

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. EARNESTINE PERKINS PURNELL UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE LEFLORE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER 23 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Earnestine Purnell is being honored and recognized upon the special occasion of her retirement from the Leflore County School District after 23 years of outstanding and dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, a native of Greenwood, Mississippi, Mrs. Purnell was reared in Christian love as the third child of her devoted parents, Mr. S.C. Perkins, Sr., and the late Mrs. Doshua Mae Perkins; and

WHEREAS, as a 1971 graduate of Amanda Elzy High School where she was the salutatorian of her class, Mrs. Purnell continued her education and earned a bachelor's degree in English and elementary education from Mississippi Valley State University in 1975; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Purnell, as an invaluable educator, has made vast contributions at the following schools during her stupendous teaching career: Eastside High School located in Cleveland, Mississippi, St. Francis Elementary School, Leflore County High School and Amanda Elzy, where she is currently employed as a vibrant fourth grade language arts teacher; and

WHEREAS, due to the positive impact that Mrs. Purnell has had on youth, she has received various teaching awards, some of which are as follows: Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Excellence in Education, STAR Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Month; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Purnell, in addition to positively molding the young minds of students by preparing them with the necessary knowledge for success, is an active member of Mississippi's Advocate for Education (MAE), the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Purnell, a multi-talented, gracious, Christian woman, is an active member of the Providence M.B. Church where she has effectively served in the following capacities: member of the adult choir, President of the Mother Board, Vice President of the Missionary Society, Assistant Director of the Drama Club and a Sunday School teacher; and

WHEREAS, throughout all of her endeavors, Mrs. Purnell has been lovingly supported by her spouse, the late John L. Purnell, Jr.; and their three successful children, Doshua, Tanjala and John; two wonderful grandchildren, LaQuetta and Janeisha; and two delightful great-grandsons, Jalyn and Jamarion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute and commend the excellence of an outstanding educator such as Mrs. Purnell who has selflessly developed and cultivated the young minds of countless young Mississippians throughout her illustrious career:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Earnestine Perkins Purnell upon her retirement from the Leflore County School District after 23 years of dedicated service and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Earnestine Purnell and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.