House Resolution 125

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HOUSE OF PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME, INC. UPON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF THE 69TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING.

WHEREAS, the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., an extraordinarily remarkable institution of dedication and service in the Hazlehurst, Mississippi, community, celebrates its 69th anniversary, a truly momentous occasion in the funeral home's history and a true testament to the tremendous care and affectionate devotion the establishment has shown to the citizens of its community and surrounding counties; and

WHEREAS, the second oldest funeral home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, initial conversations to establish the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., began between Mr. Timothy Winston of Hazlehurst and Mr. Earle Banks of Jackson in 1946; and

WHEREAS, the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., came to fruition as a result of the efforts of Mr. Winston, his cousins, Murphy Davis, Homer Reese and E.H. Handy, who also functioned as the funeral home's first embalmer, and Mr. Banks, Walter Stewart, James Stewart and H.L. Denton, who were affiliates of all of House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., and Peoples Burial Association of Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., officially opened its doors for business in 1954, and has consistently and genuinely offered consolatory assistance to countless families as they have mourned for their lost loved ones over the course of nearly seven decades; and

WHEREAS, continuing to operate at 446 Monticello Street, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, the former home of Dr. C.L. Simmons, since the first day its doors opened, and conducted its first service for Mr. J.P. Haney on December 4, 1954, with Mr. Murphy Davis serving as the establishment's first president, the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., has remained committed to offering each family, regardless of faith, ethnic background or income, the same support expected of themselves; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Timothy Winston served as the first general manager before subsequently assuming the role of president, a capacity of service he fulfilled into the mid-80s when

his grandson, Ronald Stanton, took the reins as president and general manager; and

WHEREAS, Reginald Stanton, who currently serves as current president, with the assistance of Mrs. Rosie Pearl Fatheree, as funeral director, Mr. Arthur Pendleton, the current licensee-in-charge, and Mrs. Sharon Robertson, as vice president, have remained steadfast to the quality of compassionate customer service provided, as well as maintaining the time-honored philosophy of comforting mourners, while honoring and showing utmost respect for the deceased; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, as well as the surrounding communities of Copiah, Hinds and Lincoln Counties commend the outstanding service of the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., and its exceptional community involvement for its unparalleled dedication during the past 69 years in helping to ease the burdens families face in making final preparation for their departed loved ones; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor fine institutions in Mississippi, especially those such as the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., an organization that has dedicated nearly 70 years of illustrious service of consolatory care for the bereaved and civic leadership and contributions to the citizens of the City of Hazlehurst, as well as those of Copiah, Hinds and Lincoln Counties:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., upon the auspicious occasion of the 69th anniversary of its founding and express deepest wishes for its continued success in the future.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the staff and management of the House of Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.