House Resolution 14

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHIEF DEPUTY OTHA V. JONES, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS 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, Chief Deputy Otha V. Jones, to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the City of Vicksburg and communities of Warren County lost an icon and community fixture on January 3, 2015, with the passing of Chief Deputy Jones, who was reared in Christian love by his late parents, Mr. Clifton and Mrs. Fannie Jones, and came to know the salvation of God's grace and mercy as a child upon being baptized and continuing in Christian fellowship as a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, knowing the value of hard work and the importance of providing for his family, Chief Deputy Jones worked several jobs in Warren County before discovering his niche and answering his call to law enforcement service in 1972 with the Warren County Sheriff's Department; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy in November 1972, Otha served as a road deputy before being promoted to chief deputy, where his acquired knowledge during the course of his 30 plus years of exceptional service, allowed him to serve briefly as interim sheriff after the retirement of Sheriff Paul L. Barrett; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian and devoted husband, Chief Deputy Jones, chivalrous love and affection captured the heart of the former Mary Ella Devine, to whom he was united in holy bonds of marriage, and they cherished life as husband and wife until the Heavenly Father deemed it appropriate for them to be separated by death with Mrs. Jones' passing; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, including his beloved wife, his parents and brothers, Henry and Allen, the legacy of Chief Deputy Jones's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories created in the tender moments shared with his beloved survivors: sisters, Betty Harper, Doris Jones and Ethel Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a selfless individual as Chief Deputy Jones, whose commitment to serving and protecting the citizens of Warren County was a hallmark contribution that spoke to his stellar character:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life, legacy and contributions, of Chief Deputy Otha V. Jones and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and many friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Chief Deputy Jones and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.