House Concurrent Resolution 48

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MRS. LENA BELL DARBY AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Lena Bell Darby, a blessed centenarian and beacon of light, departed this earthly life on August 12, 2014, at the age of 100, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Darby was born June 29, 1914, on Pillow Plantation in Leflore County, Mississippi, to her loving parents, Emma Williams and Humphrey Hills, who reared her, along with her older siblings, Henry and Rosie, in Christian love; and

WHEREAS, prepared to face life with only a fifth grade education, Mrs. Darby, who was known for her staunch work ethic, worked as a field hand and performed domestic service, and she learned to read, write and manage her own financial affairs, which spoke volumes of her intellect and determination; and

WHEREAS, as the mother of one child, the late S.C. Perkins, Sr., father of our friend and colleague, Willie J. Perkins, Sr., Mrs. Darby instilled in her son the importance of receiving an education - a life principle that has continued to be taught and faithfully executed within the Perkins Family; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being the great matriarch of what was once a six-generation family dynasty until the passing of her only son in 2011, Mrs. Darby was a virtuous Christian woman and life-long member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, as a dedicated and active member of Providence M.B. Church, which she actually helped in its construction, Mrs. Darby was a former President of the Missionary Society in which she dutifully saw to the needs of others, and she was a member of the adult choir in which she lifted her melodious voice in praise; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Darby, a blessed woman of God, was known for giving wise, timely and sound advice to others and for sharing the love of Jesus Christ to all whom she encountered, which truly exhibited the caring nature of this delightful woman whose beauty shown both inwardly and outwardly; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life of such an inspirational, selfless and caring individual such as Mrs. Darby, whose acts of kindness, words of wisdom, as well as her dedication to her family and church will be treasured for generations to come:

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 legacy of Mrs. Lena Bell Darby 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. Lena Bell Darby and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.