MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Clarke, Wooten, Banks, Bell (65th), Calhoun, Campbell, Denny, Denton, Dixon, Dortch, Gibbs, Gunn, Karriem, Sykes
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEGACY OF MRS. ALTON KENNY SMITH AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY UPON HER PASSING.
WHEREAS, Mrs. Alton Kenny Smith, who was a giving Christian community leader, departed this earthly life on December 5, 2015, at the blessed age of 87, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and many friends; and
WHEREAS, a native of Bogalusa, Louisiana, who was born on November 17, 1928, Mrs. Smith was reared in love, along with her younger sister, by her parents, the late Alfred and Burnette K. Butler; and
WHEREAS, knowing the importance of receiving an education, Mrs. Smith was educated in the Bogalusa Public School System and graduated from high school in 1950, and in 1953 she graduated from the Mississippi Baptist School of Nursing and served as a registered nurse at Baptist Hospital where she used her God-given helpful nature to help those in need; and
WHEREAS, notably, Mrs. Smith met her future husband, Robert L.T. Smith, Jr., at Baptist Hospital in the colored ward of the hospital while caring for Robert L.T. Smith, Sr., who would become her future father-in-law; and
WHEREAS, after a blissful courtship, Mrs. Smith united in holy matrimony to Robert L.T. Smith, Jr., on December 30, 1956, and to this blessed union, which would flourish for nearly 59 years, a daughter, Shelia Lenora, and a son, Robert "Buddy" were born; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith, a Christian, was an active member of Farish Street Baptist Church, in Jackson, Mississippi, for over 60 years, and she served in various positions such as an usher, member of the Royal Circle, Sunday School teacher, trustee, deaconess, as well as various church committees and due to her faithful support of the church, she was named the 1996 Woman of the Year by the Missionary Society; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith also gave her time and brilliant talents to Farish Street Baptist Church by serving as a pivotal part of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America, and as a result, she received the Elders-Dickens Award due to her unwavering support of Boy Scouts Troop #55; and
WHEREAS, not only was Mrs. Smith given well-deserved honor by Troop #55, she was also honored by Girl Scout Troops #5093 and #5425 and received the prestigious Green Angel Award due to her untiring support of Girl Scouts as an active adult leader who encouraged others in the scouting process; and
WHEREAS, in addition to helping the youth through their scouting endeavors, Mrs. Smith was a prestigious E.B. Topp Golden Rose and a charter member of Shelia's Guardian Angels, which is currently known as Shelia and Robert's Guardian Angels; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith, who was a multi-talented woman, served on several boards such as State Mutual Federal Savings & Loan Bank and Central Mississippi Health Services, Inc., in which she selflessly rendered her expertise and knowledge; and
WHEREAS, due to always wanting to better her community, Mrs. Smith had several other achievements such as being a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and she was a recipient of the following: the Central Mississippi Health Services Lifetime Achievement Award (2004), the Metro Jackson Area of the National Council of Negro Women's Jessie B. Mosley Award and the 2008 Dr. Aaron Shirley Distinguished Indigent Care Award - all achievements which spoke to her determined commitment to making life better for others; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith also received the Girl Scouts' Thanks Badge, which is the highest adult award that can be earned, and it was bestowed upon her due to her ongoing commitment, leadership and service to the Girl Scouts and due to the exceptional impact her service had on the organization, and she was also a pioneer in the organization as she was the first African American to serve as board president of the Middle Mississippi Girl Scout Council; and
WHEREAS, as a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement in the late 50's and 60's, Mrs. Smith marched and boycotted for the many rights that are enjoyed by all today, regardless of race, and notably, her last civic duty was her casting a ballot on Tuesday, November 3, after which she fell ill while leaving her voting precinct - an act which spoke to her passion of making things better by remaining involved and active; and
WHEREAS, the memory of Mrs. Smith will continue to flourish in the hearts of her survivors, some of which include, her loving husband of nearly 59 years, Robert Jr.; their two children, Shelia and Robert, as well as a host of other family and friends who will always treasure her giving special names of endearment and for her words of wisdom, which were affectionately referred to as "Kennyisms"; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to pay tribute to an inspirational and caring individual such as Mrs. Kenny Smith whose dedication to her family, church and community will be treasured for generations to come:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and contributions of Mrs. Alton Kenny Smith and express deepest sympathy to her family and many friends upon her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Smith and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.