House Resolution 96

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOUIS BENJAMIN BEVERLY, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS 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 March 7, 2020, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Louis Benjamin Beverly, Jr., to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Louis brought so much joy to so many, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, born in Laurel, Mississippi, on December 1, 1931, the eldest son of Louis B. Beverly, Sr., and Annie L. Beverly, he attended the Laurel Public Schools, graduating from Oak Park High School, and following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, after honorably serving his country, Louis enrolled at Jackson State College, now Jackson State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education, and while in college, he was initiated into the Delta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and after earning his degree from Jackson State he went on to pursue further study and received a master's degree in vocational counseling from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Louis began his career at Elizabeth H. Keys High School teaching history, English, and music and directing the choir, and in 1967, he moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and began his longstanding career with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission, relocating in 1972 to the Jackson office of the commission where he worked as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Officer until he retired in June 1998; and

WHEREAS, on December 26, 1951, he married Bettye Boston of Laurel, Mississippi, and they became the parents of three children: Venda, Odessa, and Louis III; and

WHEREAS, Louis was a member of Mount Helm Baptist Church for 47 years, participating in the choir and also serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, until he passed; and "Paw Paw," as he was affectionately known, was an avid Jackson State University Tigers football fan, holding season tickets and attending all of their home games until as recently as the 2019 football season; and

WHEREAS, Louis was preceded in death by his father, Louis Beverly, Sr.; mother, Annie L. Beverly; and brother, William Beverly; and those loved ones who survive to cherish his memory include: his wife, Bettye Beverly; daughters, Venda Rei (Ray) Hawkins and Odessa (Bill) Johnson; son, Louis Benjamin Beverly III; grandchildren, Stephen (Toya) Brown, Dana Brown, Eushekia (Tyrone) Hewitt, Tamikia (Daniel) Vasquez, Lauren Beverly, Lana Beverly, Britani Johnson and Randall Louis Johnson; sisters-in-law, Eugenia Angel, Dorothy Boston and Lynda Beverly; brothers-in-law, Charles (Theodora) Boston and Ralph Boston; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends:

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 Louis Benjamin Beverly, Jr., and express 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 Mr. Louis Benjamin Beverly, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.