House Resolution 28

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. ODELL GATEWOOD SAULTER WRIGHT.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on January 8, 2018, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Odell Gatewood Saulter Wright, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born on January 16, 1926, in Belzoni, Mississippi, Odell spent her early years with her mother and sisters, learning how to cook, making delectable jellies, baking scrumptious cakes, sewing beautiful garments, playing intense card games, drawing beautiful pictures, and reading and writing riveting stories; and

WHEREAS, when she was 15 years old, Odell joined her sister, Mary Alice, at Tougaloo Preparatory School to complete her high school education and was expected to complete her college degree at Tougaloo College; however, after her freshman year, she decided to enroll in Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, to complete her degree; and

WHEREAS, Odell received more than just a degree while attending Tennessee State University, she met and married the love of her life, Mr. Benjamin Saulter of Cincinnati, Ohio, and after graduation, Mr. and Mrs. Saulter moved to Cleveland, Mississippi, where he became a band director at a local high school and she was a homemaker; and

WHEREAS, after living in the Mississippi Delta for a number of years, Mr. and Mrs. Saulter decided to move back to Mr. Saulter's hometown, Cincinnati, and it was in Cincinnati that they started their family, completing the family unit with the addition of three boys, Benjamin, Harvey and David; and

WHEREAS, unfortunately, Mr. Saulter succumbed to sickle cell anemia in 1970, and many years later, Odell met and married Reverend Samuel Wright, and the two spent many blissful, loving years together before his passing; and

WHEREAS, after much encouragement from her sisters, Mary Alice Moman and Evelyn Banks, and due to the harsh Ohio winters, Mrs. Wright moved back to the humid air and warm temperatures of Mississippi, and after living with Mary Alice for a few years, Mrs. Wright moved into Harmony Court, an assisted living facility; and

WHEREAS, during her stay at the facility, Mrs. Wright truly put the "harmony" in Harmony Court, as she met no strangers, never had a down day, and could often be found in the lobby, welcoming guests with a million-watt smile and visiting, talking and laughing with her friends, ultimately serving as a beacon of hope and a ray of sunshine for all those who entered the facility; and

WHEREAS, a strong, loving and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Mrs. Odell Gatewood Saulter Wright was the epitome of class, beauty and grace, and through her kind, sincere heart and undeniable energy, she touched the lives of all those who crossed her tender and charming path, and her warm hugs and bright smile will be forever cherished in the hearts and memories of her family, friends, and others who knew her and experienced her greatness; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Mrs. Wright, a woman held in the highest regard by friends and family as an inspiring and precious gift from God, will continue to refresh the hearts and memories of her beloved survivors: her sons, Benjamin Saulter and David Saulter; daughter-in-law, Sheri Saulter; sisters, Mary Alice Moman and Evelyn Banks; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member in Revelation 21:4, wherein is recorded, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" and renewed in their faith that Mrs. Wright fulfilled the commandment of II Timothy 4:7 by having fought a good fight, finishing her course and keeping the faith until the hour of her departure was at hand; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of fine Mississippians, especially those such as Mrs. Odell Gatewood Saulter Wright, a positive, exceptional woman who always put others before herself and loved her family and friends unconditionally, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Odell Gatewood Saulter Wright, and express deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Odell Gatewood Saulter Wright and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.