MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Harden, Butler (38th), Fillingane, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jones, Lee (35th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING MR. GARFIELD GRIFFITH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY.
WHEREAS, a respected citizen of Jackson, Mississippi, is celebrating his 100th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Garfield Griffith, a native of Prentiss, Mississippi, was born on February 15, 1911, in Jefferson Davis County. Mr. Griffith lived in Jefferson Davis County for 41 years before migrating to Jackson, Mississippi, in 1952. While in Jefferson Davis County, he was a fruitful farmer. He raised hogs, chickens, cattle, and planted and harvested cotton as a main staple during his early years. He often speaks of working and raising a family on 50¢ a day; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Griffith was blessed in marriage to the late Estellar Griffith. He is the father of two daughters, Baby Ruth Griffith Brantley and Helen Griffith Adams; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Griffith was an entrepreneur, owning and managing rental property in the West Jackson area. As a noted carpenter, Mr. Griffith played a significant role in the construction of the Davis Temple Church located on Dalton Street in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Griffith is a faithful member of Davis Temple Church of God in Christ, where he is a Deacon and has served as member of the Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, after retiring, Mr. Griffith devoted his spare time to providing transportation to those in need at the retirement home where he resided. Mr. Griffith gives God the praise for his longevity and says, "You do what God tells you to do and put Him first"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Griffith was born when William Howard Taft (March 1909-1913) was President of the United States of America and Edmond Noel was Governor of the State of Mississippi. Mr. Griffith's life spanned the administration of 17 United States Presidents from William Howard Taft to Barack Obama's triumphant step into history as the first African-American to win a major party presidential nomination; 36 United States Attorney Generals; and 26 Mississippi Governors from Edmond Noel to Haley Barbour. This family icon witnessed many historic events during his lifetime, including the invention of the automobile by Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers' first airplane flight and man's first walk on the moon; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we acknowledge this landmark event in the life of a family and church:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and congratulate Mr. Garfield Griffith on the occasion of his 100th birthday (February 15, 2011), and extend to this centenarian our best wishes on the occasion of the celebration at Davis Temple Church of God in Christ.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Garfield Griffith and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.