House Concurrent Resolution 26

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MISS JUDITH ALAINA PUCKETT AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To every thing there is a season, and a 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, Miss Judith Alaina Puckett, to eternal rest, as she has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the City of Philadelphia lost an extraordinary beautiful soul on August 28, 2015, with the untimely passing of Alaina, a strong-willed daughter, sister, friend and a selfless imparter of life and light who was born on December 28, 1994; and

WHEREAS, Judith Alaina Puckett, a 2013 graduate of Philadelphia High School, was an outstanding student earning the Hall of Fame distinction, a woman who proved she was truly her best self by winning Second Alternate in Neshoba County's Distinguished Young Woman 2013 competition, an amazing athlete who competed on the Mississippi High School Activities Association 3A State Champion cheerleading team, and with an eye to the future, furthered her education at the University of West Alabama and Meridian Community College, the latter of which she was enrolled as a sophomore; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles she assumed, Alaina was a member of First Baptist Church in Philadelphia and shared the sentiment of I John 4:7, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."; and

WHEREAS, Alaina was an inspiring and precious gift from God, filled with enormous amounts of love, beauty and grace, who loved her family and friends unconditionally; and

WHEREAS, Alaina touched the lives of all those she encountered, and brought such joy to those around her with her illustrious smile and passion for the simple things in life such as laughter, true friendship and love; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon her arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Miss Puckett's kindness and compassion will continue in the memories of her survivors, including: her parents, Amanda and Joe Puckett; brother, Daniel Puckett; sister-in-law, Gina Puckett; niece, Emmaline Puckett; beloved pet, Albus Puckett; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life of such an inspiring, caring and selfless Mississippian, such as Judith Alaina Puckett:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Miss Judith Alaina Puckett and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be provided to the family of Miss Puckett and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.