House Concurrent Resolution 97

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. ESSIE MAE BUCKNER AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Essie Mae Buckner, a beloved mother and pillar of her community who was blessed with a wonderfully bright smile and nurturing spirit, departed this earthly life on November 24, 2018, at the age of 88, bringing sorrow to her family, church family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a native of Holmes County, Mississippi, Mrs. Buckner was born on November 1, 1930, to her parents, Lillie Travis and Fred Tuck and was reared by her stepfather, James Lucius Travis, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, knowing the importance of receiving an education, Mrs. Buckner began her formal education in Holmes County and later moved, with her family, to Humphreys County where she met her God-ordained helpmeet Reverend Allen Alexander Buckner, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 15, Mrs. Buckner united in holy matrimony to Reverend Buckner on January 12, 1946, and to this blessed union ten children, who affectionately referred to her as "Madear" were born: Allen, Margaret, Helen Jean, Bernice, Joeirma, Nioka, Lyvonne, Sharon, James and Mark; and

WHEREAS, not only was Mrs. Buckner a mother to her own adoring children, she served as a mother to her siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins, which spoke to the essence of her kind, selfless and encouraging spirit; and

WHEREAS, building on her Christian faith that she developed as a child when she confessed her faith in Jesus Christ, Mrs. Buckner continued her Christian growth when she and her family moved to Sunflower County, and she united with Persimmon Grove Church in Sunflower, Mississippi, and later joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church after moving to Indianola; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Buckner later united with Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she remained faithfully as a church mother and set a fine example as she helped to nurture young Christians in their Christian walk as well as served as a Union Mission member; and

WHEREAS, in her role as first-lady, as she supported her husband as he spread the gospel throughout the Mississippi Delta and beyond, Mrs. Buckner had a passion for serving the Lord and singing spiritual hymns and praying for those who were in need - an evident testament of her love of Christ and her fellowman; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Mrs. Buckner will continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of her survivors, some of whom include: her children, Helen Jean, Bernice, Joeirma, Nioka, Lyvonne, Sharon, James and Mark; 22 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren and a sister, Josie, as well as a host of other loved ones; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to pay tribute to a Mississippian such as Mrs. Essie Buckner, whose love for her family, church and community will serve as a fine example for others for generations to come:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Mrs. Essie Mae Buckner and express deepest sympathy to her family, church family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Essie Mae Buckner and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.