House Resolution 102

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ALVA BECK.

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 February 25, 2023, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Alva Beck to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the City of Holly Springs lost a wonderful friend, loving father and community treasure with the passing of Mr. Beck, who was born on April 20, 1948, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to the late Eric and Dora Beck, 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 man of uncompromised faith, Mr. Beck accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of Asbury Methodist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Finance Committee, a member of the Board of Trustees and as the creator and organizer of the Adult Recreation Ministry (ARM), and he 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, Mr. Beck graduated from Holly Springs High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Rust College, and after graduating from Rust College, he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, and other various locations throughout the United States as he progressed his career in insurance and finance before eventually settling his family in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked for Kroger for many years before he moved back to Holly Springs to care for his mother before her passing; and

WHEREAS, a true asset to the Holly Springs community, Mr. Beck firmly believed in leadership and providing service to his community, and for over a decade, he served as a board member for the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), including serving as board president and vice chair, and he was also a lifelong member and held various leadership roles with the Marshall County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was an executive committee member for the Marshall County Democratic Party; and

WHEREAS, in 2013, Mr. Beck married his longtime friend and companion, Emma Miller Beck, and they traveled the world together, including making wonderful memories in Marrakesh, Morocco, San Pedro, Belize and New Orleans, Louisiana, before her passing; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Beck was a strong and compassionate father, uncle, confidante and friend who was a social butterfly that loved to entertain, and his bright, witty and adventurous soul will be missed by all who loved him and experienced his greatness; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Mr. Beck, a man 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 his beloved survivors: children, Dominique Samari, Anthony Beck (Sarah), Khadija Z. Craine and Audrey Okhiria; sister-in-law, Mamie Beck; nieces, Marie Fischer and Danita Beck-Wickwire; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member 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 Mr. Beck fulfilled 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, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of fine Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Alva Beck, a gracious, hard-working man who loved his family, friends and community unconditionally, 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 mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mr. Alva Beck 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. Alva Beck and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.