MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Moak, Upshaw, Bain, Baker, Clarke, Coleman (29th), DeBar, Gipson, Holland, Hood, Lamar, Lane, Oberhousen, Warren
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PROFESSOR CAROL C. WEST AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.
WHEREAS, Professor Carol West, a professor of law at Mississippi College School of Law, unexpectedly departed this earthly life on December 5, 2011, in Jackson, Mississippi, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and many friends; and
WHEREAS, Professor West was born to Scott and Helen West on May 23, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her family returned to Waynesboro, Mississippi, upon her father's military retirement; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Waynesboro Central as salutatorian in 1962, Professor West continued her education by earning degrees from Jones County Junior College and Mississippi University for Women before graduating with honors from the University of Mississippi Law School and completing a master's in Library Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, beginning her career as the Public Services Librarian at the University of Virginia School of Law, Professor West advanced in her profession, serving as Catalog Librarian at the University of Mississippi Law Library, Head of the Mississippi Legislative Reference Library, a legislative draftsman, Director of the Law Library at Mississippi College School of Law, and ultimately, as a Professor of Law at Mississippi College School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Professor West was a devoted educator, greatly loved and admired by her students, and she was genuinely cherished and esteemed by her colleagues; and
WHEREAS, active in the legal profession, Professor West belonged to the American Society of Legal History and was a member of several highly respected professional associations, including: the American Bar Association; The Mississippi Bar; the Hinds County Bar Association, serving as a member of its Board of Directors from 1994-1997; and the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association, which she also served as a member of its Board of Directors for two terms; and
WHEREAS, regarded as "an amazing, wonderful, caring, thoughtful, and engaging educator, mentor, and friend," by former students, Professor West was a faithful advocate of equal opportunity; and
WHEREAS, appointed by Governor Kirk Fordice to the Mississippi Library Commission in 1992, Professor West gained international recognition for her library expertise, having served as a consultant to the Republic of Armenia on developing a Parliamentary Library and to the National Assembly of Tanzania on parliamentary library services; and
WHEREAS, Professor West, being one who loved to teach, also enjoyed genealogical research and had a great interest in her own family genealogy, and in addition to serving for many years with the Mississippi Genealogical Society in different capacities, Professor West possessed a selfless willingness to assist others in their research efforts; and
WHEREAS, though Professor West has departed this earthly life, the celebration of her life and the legacy of her commitment to teaching and of her service to others will continue in the memories of her survivors, including: her brothers, Charles, James and Gary; sister-in-laws, Sandra and Joan; nieces, Lydia and Katherine; and numerous cousins and lifelong friends, Gaynell Ainsworth, Linda Lucas, Dr. Jane Sanders and Judy Sullivan; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to commend the life, legacy and accomplishments of outstanding Mississippians such as Professor West, a great educator and positive role model who touched the lives of countless individuals not only in academia and the law, but throughout her community and beyond:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and accomplishments of Professor Carol C. West 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 Professor West, Mississippi College School of Law and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.