House Resolution 11

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ELDER WALTER S. DIXON, SR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, on January 27, 1920, the world was blessed with the birth of Mr. Walter S. Dixon, Sr., and decades later, upon the auspicious occasion of his 100th birthday, he continues to shower those around him with unconditional love and unwavering support; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dixon was born in Macon, Mississippi, but later moved to Cruger in Holmes County, Mississippi, and in 1944, he joined an elite fraternity of soldiers in the United States Navy, where he patriotically and heroically defended Lady Liberty against a radical fascist regime that threatened the freedoms guaranteed by the brave and gallant who had gone before him; and

WHEREAS, upon his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Mr. Dixon exchanged the bonds of holy matrimony with his beloved, Nellie Ruth Edwards, completing their family unit with the addition of 16 children, and their love story rivaled the tender, boundless love described in great, romantic literary classics until her untimely passing in 1967; and

WHEREAS, left to raise 16 children with ages ranging from six months old to 20 years old, the Lord fittingly united Mr. Dixon's heart and soul with another, Irene Gilbert, and that blessed coupling added one child to the family and loved and cared deeply for one another for 40 years until her passing in 2012; and

WHEREAS, in 1949, Mr. Dixon graduated from Delta Trades School with a certificate in carpentry and the discovery of his true talents for building and mending, and because of his exemplary carpentry work throughout the community, he became a jack-of-all-trades in the construction world and was often called upon to complete a variety of projects; and

WHEREAS, after relocating to Clarksdale, Mississippi, Mr. Dixon became a member of St. James Temple Church of God in Christ in 1947 and diligently and faithfully served as deacon, trustee, superintendent of the Sunday School, president of YPWW and choir director; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dixon received the call from the Almighty God to enter into the ministry in the early 1960s, becoming an Elder and touching the lives of many with his powerful sermons, inspirational messages and loving demeanor, and he has served as the pastor at churches in Mattson, Mississippi, East Dubbs, Mississippi, and Batesville, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, currently, Elder Dixon blesses the congregations at New Morning Star Church of God in Christ in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he has served for 45 years, and New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Drew, Mississippi, where he has served for 39 years, with his pious wisdom and devout lessons, spreading the gospel at every meeting, sermon and fellowship; and

WHEREAS, as a dedicated and inspiring leader and teacher of the righteous Word of God, Elder Dixon's devotion to His Majesty's work is truly distinguished among many churches and ministries, as he has also given his precious time and energy as Jurisdictional Secretary, Chairman of the Board of Superintendents, Instructor at the C.H. Mason Bible College in Clarksdale and the Bible Training Seminar in Moorhead, Mississippi, and he currently serves as the Superintendent of District Number 2; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, Elder Dixon has undoubtedly inspired his 17 children, 39 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, numerous friends and parishioners, greeting everyone he meets with a

million-watt smile that illuminates even the darkest day, and his family loves him tremendously, adores him as their wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, and reveres him for the devout pastor and prayer warrior he truly is; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of Mississippi's wisest generation, especially those such as Elder Walter S. Dixon, Sr., on the occasion of his 100th birthday, for being a gracious man who always puts others before himself, loves his family and friends unconditionally, and worships the Lord God Almighty with all of his 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 and congratulate Elder Walter S. Dixon, Sr., upon the occasion of his 100th birthday and extend most sincere wishes for his happiness on such a momentous occurrence.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Elder Walter S. Dixon, Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.