House Resolution 49

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. ELNORA ALFORD BRYANT 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. Elnora Alford Bryant, to eternal rest, as she has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward rendering great sorrow and loss to her family, colleagues and friends; and

WHEREAS, born on February 7, 1925, to her late and proud parents, James and Theodora Alford, Mrs. Bryant departed this life on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, three days shy of her 89th birthday; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Oak Park High School, Mrs. Bryant would later attend Alcorn College to further her education matriculation before assuming the role of wife, mother and provider for her family; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to the building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of her life by the Great Deity, Mrs. Bryant's heart was pierced by the love, chivalry and affection of Mr. Willie Bryant, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony and completing their family unit with the addition of six children; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles she assumed, a devoted wife and nurturing mother next, and always the peoples' advocate, Mrs. Bryant, the living embodiment of a woman of Proverbs 31:10 distinction and possessing the ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, she was a woman after God's own heart, pouring her lifetime of infinite wisdom into the lives of her children through her exemplary Christian service at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher and was a member of Adult Circle #4; and

WHEREAS, one who relied heavily on her faith, Mrs. Elnora Bryant remained devout in her Christian service and patronage throughout her life, reflecting her passion for God through her commitment to assisting others and pouring into the heritage of her family; and

WHEREAS, in Mrs. Bryant'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

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, including her late husband Willie, children Johnny Lee and Dr. Willie Yvonne Bryant, and granddaughter, Cassandra, the legacy of Mrs. Bryant's memory, which if put to music, would be a majestic symphonic masterpiece composed by the Holy Trinity, will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her survivors: Jacqueline Bryant Brown, Wayne, Lawrence and Earl Bryant; special daughter, Carol Agee; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such virtuous soldiers who have toiled upon the battlefields of life to exude the love of Christ for all, as evidenced by the life's light of Mrs. Bryant:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life, legacy and service of Mrs. Elnora Alford Bryant, and extend 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. Elnora Alford Bryant and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.