Bill Text: MS HR20 | 2025 | Regular Session | Comm Sub
Bill Title: Otha Mae Shelby; mourn the loss and commemorate life and legacy upon her passing.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2025-02-07 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR20 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2025-HR20-Comm_Sub.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Scott
House Resolution 20
(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND SERVICE OF MRS. OTHA MAE MATTIE JUANITA 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 Mattie Juanita Shelby, to eternal rest on Tuesday, February 5, 2025, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and many friends; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bay Springs and the entirety of Jasper County, Mississippi, lost a revered community pillar, with the passing of Mrs. Shelby, born on December 26, 1928, the sixth of seven children, to Mr. Paul Falls, Sr., and Mrs. Denotria Quince Falls, 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, Otha Mae was graduating at the top of her class from Bay Springs Vocational School, where she delivered her valedictorian speech with enthusiasm that is still remembered today; and
WHEREAS, a bright and loving child who excelled academically, who completed her formal education as valedictorian of her Bay Springs Vocational School graduating class, Mrs. Shelby embraced the workforce, initially moving to Waco, Texas, before returning to her hometown, where she became a supervisor in the cafeteria at Bay Springs Vocational School, ensuring students had nutritious meals daily; and
WHEREAS, her dedication to service led her to Jasper General Hospital, where she worked in various capacities, including as a radiology technician, over the span of 40-plus years before retiring at the age of 78 from the Dietary Department; and
WHEREAS, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she shared a wonderful life with her husband, Colridge Shelby, raising their three sons, Jerry Wilson, Bobby L. Wilson and Thomas L. Wilson, while instilling in them the values of hard work, faith and resilience; and
WHEREAS, affectionately called "Ma Dear" by her children, Mrs. Shelby was the heart of her family, maintaining the cherished tradition of Sunday dinners and annual family gatherings, ensuring the bonds of love remained strong; and
WHEREAS, she dedicated her life to the Lord, joining Bethlehem United Methodist Church at an early age, where she became an integral and irreplaceable pillar of the congregation, serving under every Pastor in numerous roles, including Sunday School teacher, choir member, Communion Steward, Usher, Lay Leader and founder of Circle #2 of the United Methodist Women, among countless other instrumental contributions which led to the establishment of the Rainbow Tea and the Miss Black Jasper County Pageant, while also overseeing the Cemetery Business with unwavering dedication; and
WHEREAS, her faithfulness, generosity and selflessness were evident in every aspect of her life, and she imparted to her children and grandchildren the importance of actively serving the church and community rather than being mere spectators; and
WHEREAS, in her leisure time, Mrs. Shelby enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves and her beloved soap operas, making it well known that during these moments, interruptions were not welcomed; and
WHEREAS, though she has traversed life's river to now stand upon the celestial shores in wonderment of Heaven's grandeur in glorious reunion with the kindred spirits of loved ones who transitioned before her, including, her beloved parents, siblings: Kitson, Mary Frances, Paul Jr., Willie D. "Bill" Falls and Carlee Falls Keyes; daughter-in-law, Joycelyn Wilson, and grandsons, Quintyn R. Wilson and Dominic Agee; the memories of Mrs. Shelby will continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of her survivors: sons, Jerry Wilson, Bobby L. Wilson (Margarett) and Thomas L. Wilson (Juliet); sister, Cherrie Mae Gammage; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of adoring relatives and friends; 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, service and legacy of Mrs. Otha Mae Mattie Juanita 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 Mattie Juanita Shelby and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
