House Resolution 97

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. ESTHER MARTIN RIGSBY 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 March 17, 2020, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Esther Martin Rigsby, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the City of Jackson lost a wonderful friend and dedicated community leader with the passing of Mrs. Rigsby, who was born on August 31, 1932, to the Reverend and Mrs. Alex L. Martin in Port Gibson, Mississippi, 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, a truly exquisite woman, Mrs. Rigsby was a graduate of Claiborne County Training School, where she was the class salutatorian and choir accompanist, and she received a bachelor of science degree in English education from Alcorn State University, where she was a member of the college choir, the Dramatic Guild and initiated into the Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, as a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Mrs. Rigsby served in many capacities, including President of the Beta Delta Omega Chapter; 17th South Eastern Regional Director; member of the International Board of Directors; member of five international committees: Standards, Membership, Programs, Nominating and Constitution; co-author of the local chapter history book, "Capturing A Vision Fair"; and member of the Editorial Advisory Board for the Sorority's centennial history publication, "Pearls of Wisdom"; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Rigsby's other educational achievements include a master of science degree in English education from Indiana University, advanced certifications in curriculum and instruction, and additional studies at Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi and New York University; and

WHEREAS, the love and affection of Mrs. Rigsby pierced the heart and soul of her college sweetheart, Dr. John D. Rigsby, and the two lovebirds exchanged the vows of holy matrimony with the sweet whispers of "I do," on December 25, 1954; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Rigsby was a woman of uncompromised faith who accepted Christ at a young age and joined First Baptist Church in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and for over 60 years, she was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, where she served in many capacities, including as pianist for the senior choir; co-director of the junior choir; alto vocalist in the sanctuary choir; vice president of the Women's Missionary Union; publicity coordinator; and deaconess chair, and she now enjoys the eternal peace described in Luke 2:29, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word"; and

WHEREAS, during her exceptional teaching career, Mrs. Rigsby taught English, journalism, speech, drama and reading in numerous Mississippi school districts, including Quitman County, Leflore County, Rankin County and Jackson Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, in addition to teaching in several school districts, Mrs. Rigsby was also an assistant professor of English and the coordinator of humanities special events at Tougaloo College, as well as an adjunct instructor of English at Alcorn State University, Jackson State University and Hinds Community College; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to serving her community, Mrs. Rigsby was a member of the NAACP, Jackson Urban League, International Community Ambassadors Network, and the LeFleur's Bluff Chapter of The Links, Inc., where she served as financial secretary and chair of the arts facet, and because of her selfless efforts and her continued diligence to bettering the lives of those around her, she was inducted into the Alcorn State University's Hall of Honor and received the NAACP's Mother of the Year Award in addition to many other recognitions and honors for her leadership in various elite organizations; and

WHEREAS, as a strong, loving and compassionate mother, grandmother, confidante and friend, Mrs. Rigsby touched the lives of all those who crossed her sweet and charming path, and her positive energy will be forever cherished by her family, friends and others who knew her and experienced her greatness; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Mrs. Rigsby, a woman held in the highest regard by friends and family as an inspiring and precious gift from God, will continue to refresh the hearts and memories of her loved ones, including her four sons: Reginald D. Rigsby, M.D., Delbert K. Rigsby, Esq., Mark D. Rigsby, and Kenneth W. Rigsby; grandchildren, Erin Hawkins, Esq., Morgan D. Rigsby, Markesa B. Rigsby, and Reginald D. Rigsby II; and a host of other relatives and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage Mrs. Rigsby's family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by her earthly departure in Revelation 21:4, wherein is recorded, "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 renewed in their faith 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 honor the lives of outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Mrs. Esther Martin Rigsby, a gracious woman who loved her family and friends unconditionally and worshipped the Lord God Almighty with all of her heart and soul, bringing honor and glory to the City of Jackson 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 Mrs. Esther Martin Rigsby and express deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Esther Martin Rigsby and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.