MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Simmons (13th), Butler (38th), Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Jordan
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE PASSING AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CIVIC AND CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP, LEGACY AND LONGEVITY OF REVEREND DR. DAVID MATTHEWS OF SUNFLOWER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Reverend David Matthews of Indianola, Mississippi, on April 15, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. David Matthews, fondly called "REB" by his former students at Gentry High School in Indianola, Mississippi, established a respected legacy of civic and Christian leadership and dedication in Sunflower County. Dr. Matthews was an honored guest at the "Senior Citizens Day at the New Capitol" for citizens age 90 and above on February 24, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Matthews was well known for his appearance in the documentary "The Life of Riley," which is B.B. King's life story where Dr. Matthews joined B.B.'s family, friends and contemporaries in unveiling the true-life drama that was the springboard for the future "King of the Blues"; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Matthews was born on January 29, 1920, on Woodburn Plantation to sharecropping parents, Albert and Bertha Matthews. He was the oldest of four boys and is known for sharing his experiences of working for 50¢ a day; and a day's work was from sunup to sundown. Reverend Matthews' legacy is a stellar example of achievement because he was the product of a three-month school system for African-Americans. He was drafted into World War II before graduating high school, but after serving his time, he returned to earn his high school diploma from Indianola Colored High; and
WHEREAS, he enrolled in Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and was a schoolmate of Martin Luther King, Jr. He had never seen a microscope or a laboratory, but in spite of what he had not seen, he graduated from Morehouse. He was the first graduate from Indianola Colored High to graduate from Morehouse College; and
WHEREAS, Matthews returned back to Indianola after leaving Morehouse. He met and married Lillian Banks Matthews and they had one child, Denise. He was then called to Bell Grove Baptist Church in 1951; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Matthews passed away at 95 years of age and was considered a living legend and visionary. Among his many achievements were:
· Married for 62 years;
· Pastored for 62 years;
· Taught school for 33 years, 25 at Gentry High;
· President of General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Inc., for 24 years;
· Vice President of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc., for 23 years;
· Supervisor of Oratorical Contest of National Convention for 21 years;
· Moderator of Sunflower County Baptist Association for 33 years;
· First Black Democratic Election Commissioner for Sunflower County;
· First Black Deputy Chancery Clerk of Sunflower County;
· First Black Honorary Deputy Sheriff; served on the Governor's Commission of Mississippi for two Governors (Finch and Waller);
· Met with two Presidents of the United States of America (Ford and Clinton); dined in the White House with Clinton;
· Received three Honorary Doctorate degrees;
· Built a $2 Million Edifice at age 86 in 2006; and
WHEREAS, this family Patriarch is survived by his wife, daughter, five grandchildren, a host of nephews and nieces and many friends; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Matthews was truly blessed, highly favored and worthy of recognition for achievements; and it is with sadness that we mourn the passing and with pride that we recognize a record of achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication by this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the passing and pay tribute to the Civic and Christian Leadership, Legacy and Longevity of the Reverend Dr. David Matthews of Sunflower County, Mississippi, and extend the condolences of the Legislature to Dr. Matthews' surviving family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Matthews and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.