House Resolution 99

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF MRS. JESSIE POLLY HOLLOWAY BEVERLY AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY

TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the Grand Architect of the Universe, the Immaculate Author and Finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Jessie Polly Holloway Beverly, to eternal rest, as she made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward on Friday, April 20, 2012, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born on January 3, 1910, to the late Jesse and Minnie Rice Holloway of Fayette, Mississippi, Mrs. Beverly, whose life's departure occurred at the well-seasoned age of 102 years, lived during some of the most difficult eras in America's history while having relied on God as the driving force to overcome the bleakest of circumstances in life; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Beverly experienced America's change from an agricultural society to an advanced technological, scientific and industrial giant, and has observed the historic elections and actions of several United States Presidents and Magnolia State Governors; and

WHEREAS, a native of Fayette, Mississippi, and a staunch proponent of quality education, Mrs. Beverly received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Rust College in 1959, and received a master's degree in library science from Atlanta University; and

WHEREAS, one who relied heavily on her faith, Mrs. Beverly confessed her belief in Christ at an early age at United Methodist Chapel Church, which is currently Adams Chapel Church, 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, an allegiance to which she continued to manifest as member of Mt. Zion Church of God and Christ, where she served in numerous capacities, including having been a faithful mother of the church; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Beverly met the late Superintendent Mason Beverly at life's intersection of love and affection, with whom she was united in holy matrimonial bonds on June 26, 1936, and shared a wonderful marriage full of love, respect and honor, into which their blessed union was born one loving daughter, the late Camille M. Beverly; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles she assumed, a devoted wife and nurturing mother next, Mrs. Beverly 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, instilling those same values into the lineal fabric of her children, which was exemplary of her Christ-like love; and

WHEREAS, known for steadfast service to the community and to God, Mrs. Beverly began teaching school at the early age of 17 at Charles Summer School, was Jefferson County's first librarian, dutifully served as a librarian at Addison High School in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and later returned to Fayette, Mississippi, as a librarian, where she retired in 1977; and

WHEREAS, in Mrs. Beverly's transfiguration from mortality to immortality, she now adorns the raiment of a spiritual bride, awaiting the bridegroom's return in holy anticipation of that wondrous event, as it is written in the book of Revelation 21:1-2, "And I saw a new Heaven and a new earth: for the first Heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."; 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 Mrs. Beverly's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her dearest loved ones; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor and recognize the life of such an astonishingly noble, experienced and gentle soul as Mrs. Jessie Polly Holloway Beverly, whose life was a testament of her faith in God and a call to service of mankind:

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 Mrs. Jessie Polly Holloway Beverly, whose life was a fragrant rose adorning the Heavenly Father's botanical garden of this earth's mortal dressing room, permeating the atmosphere with her beauty and aroma, 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 Mrs. Jessie Polly Holloway Beverly and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.