House Resolution 14

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PASTOR BIRBON "B.B." BROOKS UPON HIS PASSING AND RECOGNIZING HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND HIS SERVICE AS A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.

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 October 23, 2018, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Pastor Birbon "B.B." Brooks, at the age of over 100 years, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend with the passing of Pastor Brooks, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, born on October 30, 1917, to Arthur Rayburn and Nancy Brooks Rayburn Willis in Tocowa, Mississippi, Pastor Brooks confessed his hope in Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church, and he attended schools in Panola and Yalobusha Counties, among them being Persimmon Hill and Mt. Pleasant; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Brooks continued to walk with the Lord and answered the call and was ordained as a minister of the gospel, as he served churches in Memphis, Tennessee, Brusher Fork, Scobey and in other parts of Mississippi for over 33 years; and

WHEREAS, true love struck when Pastor Brooks met the lovely Marie Morgan, and the two became one when they exchanged the vows of holy matrimony and made their home in Oakland, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, as one of a distinguished group of surviving veterans of World War II, Pastor Brooks, a member of the Greatest Generation, joined the United States Army on February 3, 1944, and was a member of the Armed Forces when Paris was liberated on August 25, 1944, and he returned to the United States in December 1946; and

WHEREAS, distinguishing himself as both a minister of the faith and as a fearless serviceman during his tenure in the Army, Pastor Brooks received the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal, which was established by President Franklin Roosevelt, while serving in Germany and France; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Pastor Brooks' indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors, including his loving wife, Marie Brooks, daughter, Barbara Phillips, and a host of cousins, other relatives and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage Pastor Brooks' family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that he fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, as a man of incredible character and stature, Pastor Brooks' unwavering conviction and devotion to the Lord reflect the beliefs of his outstanding faith, and his enduring courage, bravery and tenacity follow and uphold the noble traditions of the United States Army, for without people like Pastor Brooks, the freedom we know and love would not be possible; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor and commend the lives of outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Pastor Birbon "B.B." Brooks, whose unparalleled service, dauntless fortitude and remarkable dedication to his faith and to the United States of America, bring honor to his family, his community and 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 Pastor Birbon "B.B." Brooks, whose courage, bravery and life light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn, and express sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Pastor Birbon "B.B." Brooks and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.