House Concurrent Resolution 92

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MOTHER BIRTEEN (BERT) MCCLAURIN BURNSIDE.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on January 26, 2015, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mother Birteen (Bert) McClaurin Burnside, 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 and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend and extraordinary teacher with the passing of Mrs. Burnside, who was born in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, to the late John Henry and Mildred McClaurin on December 29, 1940; and

WHEREAS, as the lamp for our feet and the light for our paths proclaims in the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 18, Verse 15, "An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge," after attending Crystal Springs Negro Elementary School in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, and Ann Street Elementary School and Nightingale Junior High School in Los Angeles, California, a devoted and fervent Mrs. Burnside graduated with honors from Crystal Springs Negro High School in Crystal Springs, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, because Mrs. Burnside had a never ending thirst for knowledge, she dedicated extremely long hours to her studies at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State University and Delta State University; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of her life by the great deity, Mrs. Burnside's love and affection pierced the heart of Mr. Albert Burnside of Clarksdale, Mississippi, 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 the two, who were married for 37 years before Mr. Burnside's death, completed their family unit with the addition of two children; and

WHEREAS, filled with an eagerness to mold the minds of the younger generation, Mrs. Burnside served for two years at Piney Woods Country Life School in Piney Woods, Mississippi, and for 36 faithful years, she emblazoned a fire for knowledge in her pupils as an educator with the Ruleville Central Elementary School in Ruleville, Mississippi, where she equipped students with the life lessons and wisdom that would be essential for each of them to reach their potential, fulfill their dreams and achieve greatness; and

WHEREAS, when Mrs. Burnside was not educating and inspiring the Magnolia State's youth, she demonstrated her love for the Lord and her loyalty, commitment and faithfulness to her church by serving as a Mother/Deaconess, presiding as the Choir Director and President, and utilizing her expertise as a Vacation Bible School Teacher; and

WHEREAS, all of Mrs. Burnside's children, grandchildren, and other family and friends have been enriched due to her immaculate and exhilarating presence in their lives, and her illustriously bright smile radiated sunshine that could be seen from miles away and elevated even the most terrible of days while her hugs always led to joy in times of sorrow; and

WHEREAS, the tears of those who mourn Mrs. Burnside's passing are replaced with that peace which surpasses all understanding with the blessed assurance that 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 husband, Albert Burnside; brothers, Bruce D. Rankin and John Henry McClaurin, Jr.; nephews, Frankie D. McClaurin and Reginald L. Brown; brother-in-law, Reverend Jesse Sutton Sr.; grandparents, Jake and Corrine Catchings; and her parents, John Henry and Mildred McClaurin; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of Mrs. Burnside's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her beloved survivors: daughters, Alicia Dawn (Muhammad) Burnside-Sales and Cheryl Danette Burnside; brother, Jerry Johnson; sisters, Alleane M. Sutton and Cathy D. (Alton) Cassidy; grandchildren, Cor'Darius Burnside and Jailyn Sales; niece, Cor'Lencia Johnson-Henry; nephew, Robert Cassidy; great nephew, Aden Hoskins; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the selflessness of such a loving and affectionate individual of esteemed caliber as Mother Birteen (Bert) McClaurin Burnside:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mother Birteen (Bert) McClaurin Burnside and extend sincere and 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 Mother Birteen (Bert) McClaurin Burnside and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.