House Resolution 80

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MS. VANESSA CAROL SLAUGHTER TROTTER AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved Ms. Vanessa Carol Slaughter Trotter to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson, Mississippi, community lost a wonderful friend, volunteer and mentor with the passing of Ms. Trotter, who was born on May 9, 1963, in Gary, Indiana, to Eva McDaniel and was later legally adopted by Mrs. Tommie Bailey-Slaughter, her maternal aunt; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Trotter was raised in Chicago and after obtaining her early education in the Chicago School District, her family relocated to Jackson where she received her high school diploma from Provine High School; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Ms. Trotter continued her education at Hinds Community College and Jackson State University, and later became employed as a LPN at Baptist Medical Center and lived independently with her two children, Jasmine and Joshua, until her health required her to retire early; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Trotter was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1988 and began her slow battle with the life changing disease, and although she was diagnosed with MS for almost thirty years, her medical challenges never affected her spirit, attitude or her willingness to reach out and touch the lives of others battling MS; and

WHEREAS, helping those newly diagnosed as well as those who have been living with MS for more than five years, Ms. Trotter used her time to listen to, share and pray with many MS patients in the Jackson area and throughout the state who may be struggling with coping and understanding the disease; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Trotter actively participated in her community as a volunteer and mentor for the Jackson Multiple Sclerosis Society, having served in the past as the support group facilitator, peer counselor and advocate for the society; and

WHEREAS, throughout her struggle with MS, Ms. Trotter never questioned "Why me?" or "What might have been?" and did not view her medical challenge as a burden, but as a "bridge to many blessings," living one day at a time and appreciating her time on this earth; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who have preceded her in death, the legacy of Ms. Trotter will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her beloved survivors: devoted mother, Mrs. Tommie Bailey-Slaughter, a blessed centenarian of 100 years who is lovingly cared for by her niece, Barbara Aikerson; one daughter, Jasmine Keona Pollard-Slaughter; one son, Joshua Lenny Jamar Slaughter; six grandchildren; two brothers, Herman McDaniel, Jr., and Derrick Ford; three sisters, Diane McDaniel, Lorraine (Rainy) Alexander and Jacqueline Aytes; a special devoted friend, Representative Alyce Clarke; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the lives of fine Mississippians, such as Ms. Trotter, whose dedication to helping those who are diagnosed with MS brought great pride to her friends, family and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the life and legacy of Ms. Vanessa Carol Slaughter Trotter, and express deepest sympathy to her friends and family upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Ms. Vanessa Carol Slaughter Trotter and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.