MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Norwood, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Simmons (12th), Butler (38th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS, CHARITY AND ADVOCACY FOR THOSE IN POVERTY EXEMPLIFIED BY ANNIE LEE BURT OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE THANKS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, Annie Lee Burt, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and community leader, is a true illustration of a living legacy. She has made it her life's work to serve her community, helping to empower those around her; and
WHEREAS, in 1944, Annie Lee Jones married the late Linder Burt, and together they raised 11 children. An active member of Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Taylor, Mississippi, (Pastor Julius Minor), Mrs. Burt has served on the Missions and Mother Board for several decades, as a Sunday School Teacher for many years, as well as a local Gospel Singer; and
WHEREAS, outside of the church, Mrs. Burt felt equally obligated to help. Both she and Mr. Burt made a great impact on their community by helping to implement the federal Head Start Program for the education of local children. They both were also active members in the NAACP. During her 25 years of service as a Paralegal for North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (NMRLS), Mrs. Burt helped many families receive the benefits due them. While employed with NMRLS, she received her GED from the University of Mississippi. She was the District Mother Mary of the Heroines of Jericho Palace of Children, and a member of the House of Ruth. Additionally, she worked with young people to help find scholarships for higher education; and
WHEREAS, a longtime advocate for people in poverty, Mrs. Burt's efforts did not go unnoticed, as she received numerous awards from a variety of organizations. In 1985, she was named the Best Dressed Professional Woman for her style and grace. In 1995, she was the recipient of the Harriet Tubman Award from the Magnolia Bar Association and Foundation. In 2000, the NAACP awarded her the Woman of the Year Award. Additionally, she received acknowledgement from the Webb Grand High Court Heroines of Jericho for her Outstanding Humanitarian Service. Mrs. Burt also received recognition from AARP and Lift, Inc., for her work with seniors. Mrs. Burt is a selfless woman who helps those in need, and through her dedication was a pillar upon which the work of NMRLS was built; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 89, Mrs. Burt continued to volunteer at Stone Park Senior Center, assisting with the Meals on Wheels Program, and serving as a board member for LIFT, Inc. Mrs. Burt now lives with her oldest daughter, Annie Confer, in Jackson, Mississippi. In her spare time, she travels the country visiting some of her children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Most recently she visited Washington, D.C., where she was given a tour of the White House. In June 2015, Mrs. Burt turns 96, and her wit and sense of humor are still strong. She continues to be an inspiration to her children and to everyone that she meets; and
WHEREAS, an advocate for the less fortunate among us, this Mississippi citizen is an example to others of how to live your convictions with courage and charity:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend the civic contributions, charity and advocacy for those in poverty exemplified by Annie Lee Burt of Jackson, Mississippi, and extend the thanks of the Legislature.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Annie Lee Burt and her family and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.