House Resolution 35

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MS. ARILLA KERNEY AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

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 23, 2018, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Ms. Arilla Kerney, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born on February 23, 1945, to the late Adelaide Kerney of Como, Mississippi, Ms. Kerney, one who relied heavily on her faith, confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and was baptized by Reverend Sam Gathering, and she remained devout in her Christian service and patronage throughout her life, reflecting her passion for God through her commitment to assisting others and her Christ-like care and concern for the building of the kingdom, an allegiance to which she continued to manifest as a member of her church, where she faithfully served in numerous capacities for over 60 years, such as a member of the Usher Board, a member of the Mass Choir, a member of the Kitchen Committee, a retired Youth Sunday School teacher, a Vacation Bible School leader and a church custodian; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of North Panola Vocational High School in Como, where she was a member of the varsity girls basketball team, Ms. Kerney later attended Mississippi Valley State University, where she majored in business administration, and in the summer of 1966, she was hired by William & Carter Factory in Senatobia, Mississippi, as a sewing machine operator, her main reason for accepting the position was to save money to purchase a home for her mother and other family members, which she was later able to do; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Kerney imitated her mother in many ways by being an excellent cook, baker and a strong pillar in her church and community, and she was also an active, dependable and faithful member of the 4-H Club, Como Homemakers, Panola County Homemakers, Heroines of Jericho Orient Court #60, 15 District Order of the Eastern Star, Bright Light Chapter 197 OES, Panola County Triad, the secretary of the Panola County Democratic Executive Committee, chairperson of the Town of Como Democratic Committee, secretary of the Panola County Branch of the NAACP, the Lady Chief of the Evergreen Usher Federation, treasurer of the District #2 Women's Convention, co-chairperson of the District #2 Salad Fiesta, the vice president of the North Mississippi Baptist Education Convention Women's Division and the secretary of the Association of Churches; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Kerney enjoyed spending quality time with her family, cooking Sunday dinner, travelling and celebrating life, and as a strong, loving and compassionate individual, Ms. Kerney 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 path, and she will be cherished in the hearts and memories of her family, friends, church friends and others who knew her and experienced her greatness; 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, including her grandparents, mother and three siblings, the legacy of Ms. Kerney's memory, which if put to music, would be a majestic symphonic masterpiece composed by the Holy Trinity, will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her beloved survivors, including her two sons, Melvin Lee Bradley and Patrick (Angela) Kerney, her god daughter, Lara Bobo, her sister, Dorothy Kerney-Wilbourn, her brother, Clifton (Lowraine) Davis, Jr., her sister-in-law, Katherine Kerney, and her six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage her family and friends to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved Ms. Kerney, for in Revelation 21:4, where it is written, "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 Ms. Kerney's loved ones should also be comforted that she 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 commend the lives of great Mississippians, especially those such as Ms. Arilla Kerney, a positive role model and exceptional individual who always put others before herself, loved her family and friends unconditionally, and worshipped the Lord God Almighty with all of her heart, 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 commend the life and mourn the loss of Ms. Arilla Kerney, and express deepest sympathies to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to members of Ms. Arilla Kerney's family and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.