House Resolution 28

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE REMARKABLE LIFE, CAREER AND OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS OF MRS. REBA LEE ROY TO THE COSMETOLOGY INDUSTRY UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved Reba Lee Roy to eternal rest, as she made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward on June 14, 2021, rending great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, for more than 58 years, Mrs. Roy was a beacon of hope and a pillar of inspiration in the cosmetology industry, for those with whom she shared her knowledge and passion for hair and beauty, which became embodied in the character, rapport and respect she garnered from her clients, colleagues and students alike; and

WHEREAS, a Thayer, Missouri native, born June 11, 1940, to her late parents Mr. Earl and Mrs. Della Brewer, Mrs. Roy's journey to cosmetology and eventually to the great "hospitality state" began at Thayer Elementary and Thayer High School, and initially took a slight detour through Lincoln, Nebraska's, Lincoln Institute of Nursing, where she graduated as a practical nurse; and

WHEREAS, eventually the pathways Mrs. Roy traveled converged upon Mississippi's fertile soils, woodlands, rolling hills and lush forests, and she commenced cosmetology studies at Fondren Beauty College in Jackson, where, in addition to completing the necessary requirements for graduation to become a licensed cosmetologist, she also served as student president of Alpha Sigma Chi; and

WHEREAS, determined to be exceptionally well-versed in her chosen profession with the ability to exact precision in the execution of style and coloring on any hair texture, Mrs. Roy further enhanced her wheelhouse of skillsets by undertaking and completing master stylist courses at Pivot Point International in Chicago, master hair colorist courses at Clairol Institute of Haircoloring in New York, before returning to Jackson to complete cosmetology instructor courses at Shirley Little Academy, as well as academic pursuits at Webster College, the University of Southern Mississippi, Clark College, Hinds Community College and Belhaven University in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree in bible philosophy, while minoring in psychology; and

WHEREAS, while simultaneously honing the craft that would place her in the elite tier of some of the world's most premier cosmetologists, Mrs. Roy's inaugural experience as a stylist began at Cinderella Beauty Salon in the quiet town of Forest, Mississippi, which laid the foundation for her first entrepreneurial endeavor as owner and master stylist of Siesta Beauty Salon and Beauty Box Beauty Salon, and allowing her voice to be heard across the airways as a disc jockey for WQST-WMAG Radio Station; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Roy's presence and repertoire in cosmetology evolved to include: commercial retail experience as manager of McRae's Beauty Salon and stylist at the J.C. Penney Salon; instructional and academic administrative experience at Beauty Centre Beauty College in Meridian, Jackson Public School District's Career Development Center, Shirley Little Academy, and as founder and president of Education Plus Seminars; and evaluator for the National Accreditation Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), headquartered in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Roy's heightened professional and insightful perspective on the cosmetology industry positioned her to be featured on prominent platforms both domestically and globally, including: a 1994 feature in the February issue of American Salon Magazine; guest stylist for American Salon Magazine, Modern Salon Magazine and Hairstyle of the Month; being a consecutive

two-time recipient of Mississippi's Community Leadership Award; Scott County Woman of the Year; member of the Coiffure Creation Committee; member of the Mississippi's three-time national winners featured as a guest artist for the International Beauty Show in New York; stylist for Cover Girl of the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) 1975 Calendar; American guest at the 1980 European Championships; Steward for the 1984 Hair World event held in Las Vegas; two-time World Championships participant as a Steward for the Australian Team in 1976 and for the American Team in 1988; competitor at World Open Competition in Vienna, Austria, and Rose D'Or in Paris, France; alternate on the 1974 United States Olympic Hair Styling Team; International Bronze Medallion winner in the haircutting championships; former National Pentathlon Champion; and former National Coiffure Creation Champion, all of which have amassed her vast inventory of more than 200 regional, state, national and international trophies, awards and recognitions; and

WHEREAS, not limiting her time to the salon alone, Mrs. Roy was a member and former high ranking officer of both the National Cosmetology Association and the Mississippi Cosmetology Association, and was engaged in the community through public speaking engagements, serving as a trial expert witness, judge or stylist in 48 states, talk-show special guest appearances and featured facilitator and guest artist for more than 40 continuing education seminars in more than 15 states; and

WHEREAS, though she has now traversed the river of life to reunite in joyful fanfare with the kindred spirits who preceded her to the celestial shores of paradise, including her parents, siblings and first husband, Dallas Gene Roy, the enduring legacy and indelible imprint of her life will continue to be endeared in the hearts and memories of her surviving family and friends, including her husband, Pope Godfrey; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the steadfast works of an individual of Mrs. Roy's caliber, whose reputation preceded her, and whose selflessness was a direct reflection of the hallmark of excellence she had consistently personified through the entirety of her storied life and career along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life, remarkable career and outstanding contributions of Mrs. Reba Lee Roy to the cosmetology industry, and express heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of the late Mrs. Reba Lee Roy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.