House Resolution 18

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND HERITAGE OF DR. KATHRYN WARNER-STALLING AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Dr. Kathryn Warner-Stalling, born on July 14, 1931, to the late Willie Mae Finch Warner and Robert Tyree Warner of Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on Sunday, August 28, 2011, to enter into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father, making life's transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, and rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Warner-Stalling was reared in the Lucas Community and graduated from Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute before attending Jackson State University to earn a baccalaureate degree in elementary education; Indiana State University to earn a master's degree; an additional master's degree from New York University; and culminating in the receipt of a doctoral degree in education from Jackson State University; and

WHEREAS, one who relied heavily on her faith, Dr. Warner-Stalling was a faithful member of Lucas Tabernacle Church of Christ Holiness, USA, and remained devout in her Christian service and patronage throughout her life, reflecting her passion for God through her commitment to assisting others and her Christ-like care and concern for the building of the kingdom; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to the building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of her life by the immaculate author and finisher of our souls' destiny, the Holy Architect and god-head of the Great Deity, her heart was pierced by the love, chivalry and affection of Mr. Alcee Stalling, and the two became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh in marriage; and

WHEREAS, a diligent worker, Dr. Warner-Stalling began her career as a classroom educator in Natchez, later transitioning into education administration with the Jackson Public School District, and was equally devoted to her community and civic involvements with such organizations as: the NAACP, Jackson State Alumni Association and her church home; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Warner-Stalling imparted her genuine spirit of kindness through a benevolent affinity for mankind that transcended race, creed, socio-economic status and personal philosophies as evidenced by her deep compassion for children, as well as the dignified, elegant, courageous, faith-filled and strengthened manner in which she conducted her life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Warner-Stalling, who was the living embodiment of a woman of Proverbs 31:10 distinction and possessed the ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, to be a woman after God's own heart, was preceded in death by her husband, Alcee Stalling, in 2008, and by her parents; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon her arrival to the celestial shores of heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Dr. Warner-Stalling's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her beloved survivors; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a noble and selfless individual as Dr. Warner-Stalling, whose time upon this earth was a testament of God's promise of longevity to those who are faithful unto him in service, and who are zealous in word and deed to their brethren:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Kathryn Warner-Stalling, whose life was a testament to her devotion to God and her family, and express sincere and 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 Dr. Warner-Stalling and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.