House Concurrent Resolution 15

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. PATRICIA PITTMAN LEE, FORMER FIRST LADY OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY, AND EXTEND DEEP SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY UPON THE LOSS OF THEIR LOVED ONE.

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 souls' destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved and admired Mrs. Patricia Pittman Lee to life eternal with her Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family; and

WHEREAS, she was born on March 16, 1941, near Fayetteville, North Carolina, to the joy and delight of her parents, Mr. Clarence Woodberry Pittman and Mrs. Christine Capps Pittman, who later blessed her with two sisters and two brothers; and

WHEREAS, she was a smart and precocious child, who worked hard in all her academic endeavors and graduated with honors in 1959, from Hoke County High School in Raeford, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, on August 15, 1959, she was joined in holy matrimony with her forever love, John Charles Lee, at Pittman Grove Baptist Church in Rockfish, North Carolina, and went on to weave a 65-year-long love story filled with friendship and a true partnership; and

WHEREAS, being the dutiful wife that she was, she supported her husband when he enrolled in North Carolina State University, in 1961, and as a result of the couple's joint efforts, John Charles earned his bachelor's degree, and after a short stint in the corporate industry, he returned to school to earn a doctorate; and

WHEREAS, following their college years, Pat continued to support her husband as he held several high-level administrative positions with prestigious universities, including the University of Arkansas at Monticello; Mississippi State University, and Texas A&M; and

WHEREAS, always a dedicated wife and mother first, Pat sacrificed her time, talents and treasure for the benefit of her husband and children without regret, and was also fierce and relentless in defending her family and their beliefs; and

WHEREAS, because the children had grown to adulthood during their time at Texas A&M, Pat endeavored to focus on her own career, by joining the Dean's office in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as Coordinator for the College's Development Council at Texas A&M, and later becoming the Executive Director of the International Stockman's School, a partnership between the Department of Animal Sciences and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she managed relations with authorities in the cattle and horse industries throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, in 2002, she became the First Lady of Mississippi State University (MSU), where she used her knowledge and experiences to advance the university's numerous internal and external interests; and

WHEREAS, a passionate advocate for serving the community, Pat used her role as First Lady of MSU to motivate others to do the same, as evidenced by her 2005 commencement speech to Mississippi State University students following Hurricane Katrina, in which she stated, "One of our hopes for all Mississippi State students is that they develop a stronger sense of the obligation to give back … both to the individuals who have helped them on their way to a more rewarding life, and to those not as fortunate. If Hurricane Katrina had a silver lining, perhaps it was to remind us all of just how much we are dependent on one another."; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, in her acceptance speech for being selected by the President's Commission for Women, to receive the Outstanding Woman's Award, she commented, "As women, we always have been society's nurturers and caregivers, and I for one have no wish to see women relinquish that role, even as our horizons grow broader. Instead, I hope you will use your gifts of empathy and compassion as you exercise leadership to help make our society more caring and just."; and

WHEREAS, always an avid Bulldog fan, she made sure her grandchildren Kaitie, Jake, and Addison, who affectionately referred to her as "Nene," participated in campus and regional athletic events whenever possible; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, both Pat and Charles retired and moved to Clarksville, Virginia, to be near their grandkids, and still remained philanthropic by providing leadership and energy to expand the local library, revamp and expand the local food pantry, revive the Fourth of July Parade, and sustain the free Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which Pat chaired; and

WHEREAS, in 2021, Pat and her husband moved to a senior living facility near a daughter's home in Houston, Texas, and on August 3, 2024, they were surprised by their loving family who joined them in celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary; and

WHEREAS, sadly, Pat departed this earthly life leaving John Charles, her best friend and partner of 65 years alone, until they meet again when their ashes are spread on the lake they loved in Southern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her loving John Charles, she leaves her son, John Lee, Jr.; daughters, Marsha Lee, Tonya Boozer, Jan Lee-Parks, and Terri Lee; grandchildren, Kaitland Lee, Jake Lee, and Addison Boozer; and great-granddaughter, McInnis Lee; brothers, Len and Johnny Pittman, and Barbara Douglas of Georgia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the well-lived life and remarkable contributions of Mrs. Patricia Pittman Lee, and extend sincerest and 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 the late Patricia Pittman Lee and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.