MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Simmons (12th), Barnett, Clarke, Dearing, Fillingane, Frazier, Horhn, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Norwood, Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF RESPECTED GREENVILLE EDUCATOR AND CIVIC LEADER DR. ARTHUR BENNETT PEYTON, SR.
WHEREAS, respected Greenville Educator and Civic Leader Dr. Arthur Bennett Peyton, Sr., ended his earthly journey on December 27, 2015. Born March 30, 1929, to the late Alva and Beatrice Peyton in Greenville, Mississippi, Arthur Peyton, Sr., was preceded in death by his brothers, Alva and Perry Peyton, Ray and Roy Huddleston; and grandson, L.C. Tennin, Jr. While still a young child growing up in Greenville, Arthur joined Mercy Seat M.B. Church where he continued as a faithful member. During his membership at Mercy Seat, he served as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Peyton spent most of his life in Greenville, with the exception of two years spent in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where he graduated from high school. He began his college studies at Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana, and later transferred to Alcorn State University (formerly Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College), Lorman, Mississippi, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He received his Master's degree from Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama, and engaged in further studies at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, he began his professional career at Breisch High School, Leland, Mississippi, where he spent ten years as a Teacher and Coach. His next professional step led him to Coleman Junior/Senior High School, Greenville, Mississippi, where he taught biology and coached. Prior to integration, he was transferred to the newly built T.L. Weston High School where he taught biology and established their first football team. The team was so successful that he was honored as "Outstanding Coach of the Year." He continued his career in the Greenville Public School System and served in many capacities, including Assistant Principal, Principal, Administrative Assistant, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent; and
WHEREAS, his numerous community and professional activities and honors include serving as President of the Greenville Local Teacher's Association and the Third District Teacher's Association, election as President of the Mississippi Teacher's Association and appointment to the State Board of Education, where he served as Chairman. His community activities include: Past Chairman, Washington County Opportunities Headstart; Past Chairman, Textbook Procurement Commission/State of Mississippi; Education Chairman, National State Board of Education; Executive Committee, Greenville Chamber of Commerce; Executive Committee, State Democratic Party; Coordinator, Roundtable for the National Baptist Labor Coalition; Chairman, Title 20 Block Grant Board; Member, Board of Directors, Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance; Chairman, Commission Board, Mid-Delta Regional Airport; Member, 101 Black Men of the Delta, Inc.; Member, NAACP; and Charter Member of the Greenville, Mississippi, Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, throughout his adult life golf was his passion. He won a City Championship and made a "hole-in-one." Following Arthur Peyton's retirement from the Greenville Public Schools, he was involved in many activities and served in many capacities in the community, always working to make life better for those around him with a genuine concern for mankind; and
WHEREAS, cherishing his memory, he leaves a devoted wife of 64 years, Geraldine; seven children: Carol Dianne (Thomas) Danley, Benita Louise (Jerrell) Guy, Hattie Jean Peyton, Julia Cassandra (L.C.) Tennin, Arthur Bennett (Sharon) Peyton, Jr., Perry LaNelle Peyton, and Gerald Francine Cheeks; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; godson, Wardell (Deborah) Ferguson; goddaughters, Tracy Grady and Devita Williams (Brian) Echols; and a host of relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends; and we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi whose enormous civic energy was an inspiration to his colleagues:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the deepest sympathy of the Mississippi Senate to the bereaved family of respected Greenville Educator and Civic Leader Dr. Arthur Bennett Peyton, Sr.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Arthur Bennett Peyton, Sr., forwarded to the Greenville School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.