House Resolution 20

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND SERVICE OF MRS. OTHA MAE SHELBY, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Otha Mae Shelby, to eternal rest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, born on December 26, 1928, Mrs. Shelby was a woman of great faith, wisdom and unwavering love, serving as the matriarch of her family and a pillar of strength to all who knew her; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Shelby was a devoted mother to her three sons, Bobby L. Wilson, Jerry Wilson and Thomas Wilson, raising them with the values of hard work, education and faith, as she demonstratively modeled the importance of saving and utilizing resources to build a meaningful life; and

WHEREAS, a faithful and dedicated member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Mrs. Shelby was a steadfast supporter of her church and its members, serving as a spiritual advisor, mentor and friend to many, ensuring that her legacy of faith and service would live on through the lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Shelby was not only a mother to her own children but also a mother figure to many in her community, offering guidance, encouragement and unwavering love, embodying the true essence of selflessness and compassion; and

WHEREAS, on the occasion of her 96th birthday, her family and friends celebrated her legacy, recognizing her as a phenomenal woman who exemplified grace, wisdom and perseverance, always placing God first in all that she did; and

WHEREAS, though the departure of Mrs. Shelby has left a void in the hearts and lives of all who knew her, the legacy of her love, faith, and selfless service will forever be cherished and honored; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family of Mrs. Shelby to find solace from these words recorded in II Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the monumental life of genuine individuals like Mrs. Shelby, whose life was a testament to faith, family, and community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss, commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Otha Mae Shelby, 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. Otha Mae Shelby and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.