House Resolution 41

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. ANNIE "MOMMA WEE" COOPER MCFARLAND LEWIS ON CELEBRATING THE MOST AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER BIRTH ON MARCH 13, 2014.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Annie "Momma Wee" Cooper McFarland Lewis, born on March 13, 1924, to the late Noland and Francis Cooper in the Ginn-Arla Place Community of Woodville, Mississippi, celebrates the 90th anniversary of her birth on Thursday, March 13, 2014, to be commemorated with a celebration acknowledging and honoring her motherhood and service; and

WHEREAS, an individual of wise counsel among countless individuals to bear the title as a mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Mrs. Lewis, who was educated at the Lindsey Elementary and Schloss-Rosenwall Elementary Schools in Woodville, has been blessed with a prosperous life of health, longevity, spirituality and love from her family and friends, as she has abounded in wisdom and knowledge to become the matriarch of her family; and

WHEREAS, with Proverbs 31:10 virtuosity, Mrs. Lewis was baptized at age 11 as a member of the Magnolia Baptist Church in Lesley, Mississippi, where she has maintained a lifelong membership and devoted her Christian service in such capacities as a 30-year member of the Usher Board, secretary, member of the Mother's Board and Deaconess; and

WHEREAS, as a lifelong resident and esteemed citizen and community pillar of Wilkinson County, Mississippi, Mrs. Lewis has experienced the transformational changes of American society and experienced various moments of iconic history, as she continues to rely wholeheartedly on God as the driving force to sustain and motivate her through the circumstances, trials and triumphs of life; and

WHEREAS, having her heart pierced by the love, chivalry and affection of the late Carroll McFarland, Sr., the two were united in the sacred bonds of holy matrimony and completed their family unit with the fruitful addition of seven children, five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, when God deemed it necessary to summons the earthly life of Carroll, Mrs. Lewis' heart was once again restored to its wholesome place when she later met and married the late John Lewis, and to whose union one child was born, and another three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren added to the branches of her family tree; and

WHEREAS, with her profound faith and the unyielding support of her family, "Momma Wee" as she is tenderly referred to, leads an exemplary life, exuding the love of Christ through her service as a loyal member of the Liberty Chapter No. 462 Order of the Eastern Star Bathsheba Grand Chapter Prince Hall Affiliation, and imparting the values of self-assuredness, perseverance, service and benevolence obtained with her years of wisdom into the lives of all with whom she has encountered during her series of employment with Princeville Canning Company, TWL Dry Goods Store, Wilkinson County High School, Home Visitors Program for Seniors and the Southwest Mississippi Planning Development District, from which she retired; and

WHEREAS, one who cherishes her Wilkinson County community, "Momma Wee" remains abreast of community events through her daily inquiries of the local agenda and reading the newspaper and watching the news media, in addition to remaining politically savvy and actively engaged in the election process; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such an outstanding individual as Mrs. Lewis, who attributes her longevity to good, clean, moral living and her faith in God, as she celebrates this most auspicious occasion with her family and friends:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of Mrs. Annie "Momma Wee" Cooper McFarland Lewis, in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of her birth on Thursday, March 13, 2014, and express sincere wishes for continued health, joy, peace and prosperity for years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Annie "Momma Wee" Cooper McFarland Lewis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.