House Resolution 88

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND REMARKABLE LEGACY OF SERVICE OF MRS. VIRGINIA MANGUM SMITH UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OF STAR, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Virginia Mangum Smith, a native of Winston County, Mississippi, and a 64-year resident of Star, Mississippi, retired from the Star branch of the United States Postal Service on August 1, 2012, after a stellar career of 42 years; and

WHEREAS, a 1952 graduate of Florence High School, Mrs. Smith's path of life directed her into a life of service as indicated by her work history, which includes employment with the Baptist Record and the American Red Cross, both stints which equipped her with the necessary skills essential to providing reputable service as a public servant; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith began her period of postal excellence on August 1, 1970, when she and her first husband, Jimmie Mangum, owned and operated Mangum's Store in Star for 25 years and the Post Office was located therein until 1975; and

WHEREAS, an active member of the Wesleyanna United Methodist Church, she has served in various capacities, including: chairperson of the church council, council secretary, lay leader, chairperson of Staff Parish Relations Committee, church treasurer, choir, United Methodist Women, Sunday School secretary, Communications Committee, Worship Committee, Finance Committee, Committee on Nominations and Leadership, and trustee of the Wesleyanna Cemetery Association; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her myriad of responsibilities to the church, Mrs. Smith also contributes her efforts, faculties and resources to the social and civic arena through her affiliation with the Star Woman's Club, Star Fire District, Board of Trustees of Rankin Academy, Patrons League of Rankin Academy, and the Florence Elementary PTA; and

WHEREAS, privileged to experience love anew after the passing of her first husband, Jimmie, Mrs. Smith's heart was once again pierced by the chivalrous affection of the late Mr. Robert L. Smith, to whom she united in marriage; and continued in service to the citizens of Star and surrounding areas for a total of 42 years as postal clerk for 22 years and Postmaster for the last 20 years preceding her retirement; and

WHEREAS, throughout the course of her life and career, as a working mother, Mrs. Smith has been supported by her children and stepchildren, James Timothy, David Lowe, Ted Marlin, Mike, Gary, Cindy and Lynn, their spouses, 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who all have encouraged and supported her every endeavor; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the extraordinary career of such a noble and giving individual as Mrs. Smith, whose service to the citizens of Star and surrounding areas of Rankin County has been one of stellar proportion, incapable of being expressed with words alone:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and remarkable legacy of service of Mrs. Virginia Mangum Smith upon the occasion of her retirement from the United States Postal Service of Star, Mississippi, and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors and exceeding joy in the lighter years of her retirement.

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