House Concurrent Resolution 7

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING LIFE, LEGACY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MRS. RUBY JEFFERSON WORSHAM AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Ruby Jefferson Worsham, a woman of beauty and true grace, departed this earthly life on January 5, 2015, at the blessed age of 104, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, a native of Belzoni, Mississippi, Mrs. Worsham was born on March 9, 1910, to her loving parents, the late Thomas Walter Jefferson and Molly Ford Jefferson, who reared her, along with her beloved siblings, in Christian love; and

WHEREAS, knowing the importance of receiving an education, Mrs. Worsham received her formal education from Old Lake School in Devolente, Mississippi, a black colony near Belzoni as well as Normal School in Belzoni; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Worsham, in addition to residing in Humphreys County, lived in Morgan City, Mississippi, and East St. Louis, Illinois, before moving to Chicago, Illinois, during the Great Migration in which many African Americans moved from the South to the North in search of better opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Worsham was wed, in holy matrimony in 1937 after a loving courtship, to Mr. James Coleman, and they shared a marriage of love, honor and respect until his death in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Worsham went on to be blessed once again in blissful matrimony when the Lord sent her the love of her life, Mr. Adolphus Worsham, and upon their blessed union, the happy couple, along with her three stepsons, became one; and

WHEREAS, a virtuous woman who was reared with a strong work ethic, Mrs. Worsham was employed by Edelman Corporation, where she made vast contributions for 30 years as a packer and assembler, and she also faithfully worked as a home engineer, care provider and home care aide, which all spoke to her caring and nurturing nature; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Worsham, was a Christian woman and an active member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, where she has faithfully served as a longtime member in a variety of capacities, some of which include: Sunday School Teacher; Sunday School Superintendent and Missionary Society member; and

WHEREAS, known for her love of church, Mrs. Worsham rejoiced in serving God and her fellowman and for always putting her family and community first, which epitomized her selfless and loving character and encompassed her entire being; and

WHEREAS, known affectionately by her family as "Aunt Ruby" or "Cousin Ruby," Mrs. Worsham delighted in spending time with her family, including her niece, the Honorable Representative Alyce Clarke;

WHEREAS, as one who was blessed to live over a century, Mrs. Worsham did not fear her transition to be with the Lord as noted by her own preparation for her final services, which speaks to her thoughtfulness and ever-ready spirit; and

WHEREAS, although Mrs. Worsham has crossed the river of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores, the legacy of her memory will continue to flourish in the hearts of her loved ones;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to pay tribute and commend the life of such an inspiring, caring and selfless, native Mississippian such as Mrs. Ruby Jefferson Worsham whose life was a beacon of light, strength and love:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and outstanding legacy of Mrs. Ruby Jefferson Worsham 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 Mrs. Ruby Jefferson Worsham and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.