House Resolution 33

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND EXCEPTIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE OF MRS. CAROLYN CHASE BAILES RENDERED TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI THROUGH HER ESTEEMED EMPLOYMENT WITH THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, for more than three decades, Mrs. Carolyn Chase Bailes has diligently served the State of Mississippi as a dedicated public servant to its countless citizens throughout the duration of her distinguishingly exceptional career with the Mississippi House of Representatives, until the announcement of her retirement in December 2014; and

WHEREAS, born February 17, 1952, to Mr. Howard Bradley and Ms. Rosie Lee Chase, Carolyn valued the core principles instilled in her by her parents and took great pride in the independence afforded to her through education, as evidenced by her eminent scholarly achievement as an undergraduate and graduate student of Jackson State University, where she respectively earned a bachelor's degree in business with Magna Cum Laude distinction and a master's degree in counseling with Suma Cum Laude distinction; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to the building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of her life by the God-head of the great deity, Carolyn's heart was pierced by the chivalry and affection of her personal knight in shining armor, Mr. Jerome Bailes, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony in 1977, and therein committed themselves to the roles of husband and wife, until God deemed it appropriate to summon Mr. Bailes' presence to Heaven's court; and

WHEREAS, a woman of Proverbs 31:10 virtuosity, Mrs. Bailes, who is a member of Word and Worship Church under the pastoral auspices of Bishop Jeffery A. Stallworth; Carolyn was ordained as a licensed minister of the gospel in 2009, has dedicated more than 20 years to the kingdom building, mission and outreach through her profound oratory, charismatic witness and testimony, as well as her commitment to serving as a life coach and mentor to Alcoholics Anonymous and regular Prison Ministry; and

WHEREAS, during her 31-year career with the House of Representatives, Carolyn served more than 20 years as administrative assistant and committee secretary to the Judiciary A, Judiciary B and Judiciary En Banc Committees, where she acquired an unparalleled knowledge of the legislative process and the provisions of law that impacted the criminal and civil penalties imposed for any nature of offense, the regulating of nearly every licensed profession in the state, and aiding ex-offenders with the process of having their suffrage restored after having paid their dues to society; and

WHEREAS, with a compassionate spirit and heart for sharing God's goodness, she is truly a living testament of His unmerited favor evident through His limitless grace and mercies shown with each new day's dawning, Carolyn's service to the State of Mississippi exemplified the selfless humanitarian of the Good Samaritan in his care for a fellowman in times of distress and the humble submission of Mary Magdalene as she wept in serenity while washing Jesus' feet and anointing them with the contents of her alabaster box; and

WHEREAS, throughout all of her education and career endeavors to provide for her family, she has enjoyed the support and admiration of those dearest to her, her three children, Nicole, Jelani and Nikkita, and three grandchildren, Jaela, Ahmber and Chase; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the zealous commitment of such remarkable gifts of employees as epitomized in the presence and service of Carolyn Bailes to the legislators, staff and the countless citizens who traverse the hallowed halls under the prestigious dome of this majestic Capitol building daily:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and exceptional public service of Mrs. Carolyn Chase Bailes rendered to the State of Mississippi through her esteemed employment with the Mississippi House of Representatives upon the occasion of her retirement and extend to her best wishes for a continued recovery and restoration of health, and many years of enjoying the lighter years of her life.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Carolyn Chase Bailes and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.