House Resolution 104

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SHIRLEY COLEMAN HARRIS FOR RECEIVING THE 2016 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the State of Mississippi bestows the well-deserved honor of the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award to a community icon and leader in the Vicksburg, Warren County community, Mrs. Shirley Coleman Harris, for her Christianity and humanitarianism toward all mankind; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Harris was born the eldest daughter to the late Percy Coleman and Merinda Turner-Coleman in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and from a young age, she diligently served her church and selflessly volunteered in her community whenever she had the opportunity; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Bowman High School, Mrs. Harris completed her collegiate studies at the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, but consumed with a fervent desire to study the art of music in all of its melodious wonder, she received her masters and specialist degrees in music from Mississippi College, and continued to study and embrace her musical passions, building a massive repertoire of musical accolades, at Dillard University, Jackson State University, Indiana University, Peabody College, University of Houston and the College Conservatory of Music; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Harris began her illustrious career of teaching music to Mississippi students in the Greenville School System and then at the Bowmar Avenue School, where, for 40 faithful years, she uplifted the people around her with her charm and warm personality and exponentially broadened the children's knowledge of the various notes, the intricate details of a multitude of instruments and the remarkably positive influence that songs can have on the daily lives of all people; and

WHEREAS, throughout her years as an educator and breath of fresh air for the younger generation, she has been named Teacher of the Year three times and elected as the Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year, and in her current position as a reading specialist at Dana Road Elementary, she helps her pupils develop a love for the written prose, encouraging them to read about fantastical worlds, mysterious adventures and budding romances, undoubtedly transforming each of them into intelligent, kind, compassionate and respectful young men and women; and

WHEREAS, when she is not in the classroom, equipping her students with the life lessons and wisdom that are essential for each of them to reach their potential, fulfill their dreams and achieve greatness, she serves as the musician for the Jackson Street Missionary Baptist Church and the Springhill Baptist Church Men's Chorus and volunteers her choral skills at any time for the Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church and Saint Mary's Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Harris' late husband, Roosevelt Harris, her daughter, Tanya Harris-Dews, and her grandchildren, Lauren and Robert Dews, have all been immensely proud of her throughout her lifetime of benevolence and humanitarianism as she enriched each of their lives with her daily displays of altruistic kindness; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the lives of fine Mississippi humanitarians, especially those such as Mrs. Shirley Coleman Harris, a philanthropist, musical inspiration and Lifetime Achievement Award winner who exudes sincerity, hospitality and a tender heart, and serves as a wonderful role model to everyone who has the opportunity to experience her greatness, which brings honor to the Vicksburg, Warren County community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Shirley Coleman Harris for receiving the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the State of Mississippi, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Shirley Coleman Harris and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.