House Resolution 3

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY AND SERVICE OF MRS. JOSEPHINE NEAL GRAY AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Josephine Neal Gray, born on December 24, 1929, in Inverness, Mississippi, to the late Roosevelt and Carrie Neal, departed this earthly life to enter into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, having attended school in Leflore County, Mrs. Josie confessed her faith in Christ and joined New Chapel Baptist Church in Sidon, Mississippi, and after moving to Greenwood, she later joined Providence M.B. Church, where she was equally dedicated to her spiritual and Christian duties as a dedicated and devoted member for over 45 years; and

WHEREAS, in 1942, in the grand scheme of the Deity's plan for her life, Ms. Josie encountered the likes of Mr. Willis Gray, Jr., at life's intersection of love and fortitude, and together were united in the bonds of holy matrimony in 1947, to be blessed with five loving children; and

WHEREAS, as self-made business persons, Mr. Willis and Mrs. Josie successfully operated Gray's Service Station and Cab Company on McLaurin Street in Greenwood for more than 40 years; and

WHEREAS, considered an anchor of the Greenwood community where she touched the lives of many as evidenced by her active role advocating civil rights to encourage voter registration, Mrs. Josie also served as a school bus driver for Gilliam's Headstart and as an active member of Greenwood Voters' League and City of Greenwood Zoning Board; and

WHEREAS, though her life's journey has drawn to an end as she has traversed the river of life to now stand upon golden heavenly shores to rest eternally from the labors and perils of life as she reunites with husband, Mr. Willis Gray, Jr., and son, Willis Gray, III, who preceded her in death, the legacy of her memory will thrive in the hearts and memories of her survivors: daughters, Christine Birch, Barbara "Tina" Gray and Gloria Liggans; sons, Johnny Gray and Earnest Gray; sisters, Addie Brownlow, Pearl Williams, Mildred Porter and Olivia Johnson; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a notable and inspirational icon in Inverness, such as Mrs. Gray, whose life was indicative of Christian compassion and sincere humility:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and services of Mrs. Josephine Neal Gray and extend 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. Josephine Neal Gray and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.