Senate Concurrent Resolution 517

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MARGARETT LOUISE ALLEN-BINGHAM WHO WAS THE FIRST FEMALE SUPERINTENDENT OF A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN MISSISSIPPI AND LONGTIME RESPECTED LEADER IN THE FIELD OF CORRECTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH.

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of longtime Mississippi Correctional and Mental Health Administrator Margarett Louise Allen-Bingham on November 2, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Margarett Bingham had an outstanding career of leadership in the Mississippi Department of Corrections and was a longstanding member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Independent Learning Inc/The Friendship Connection which is a Central Mississippi Recovery Center for Women located in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Margarett Bingham began her professional career in 1971 in Washington, D.C., as a Women's Half-way House Counselor. She served five years in this position before returning to her home state of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, she began her distinguished career with the Mississippi Department of Correction in 1976, making strides for over 35 years with MDOC. She accomplished many firsts with MDOC in the State of Mississippi. Margarett was the first Woman Lieutenant at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman, Mississippi, the first Mississippi Department of Corrections Deputy Warden at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, and on January 1, 2005, she made Mississippi history by becoming the First Woman Superintendent of a Correctional Facility in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Margarett joined the Board of Directors of the Center for Independent Learning in 2000 and immediately accepted assignments on committees and projects in order to provide care and services to people who seek to build bridges to "incarcerated women." She was a leader which enabled a reconciliation with the "free world" for women who are defined poorly by a legal system and are bound by the disease of alcohol and drug addiction; and

WHEREAS, Margarett provided education, advocacy, and direct services which promote self-esteem, dignity, integrity, responsibility, and trusting, healthy relationships. She also loved spending time with her family, who meant everything to her. She was a beacon of light to all and an inspiration in every life she impacted; and

WHEREAS, Margarett accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and was a faithful member of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. She also exemplified the characteristics of so many remarkable women in the bible but especially Mary the Mother of Jesus and Deborah, a strong leader in God by providing a safe place to lend a compassionate, listening ear, and share her wisdom. Her dedication demonstrated the words of the old spiritual, "If I can Help Somebody...then my living shall not be in vain" and

WHEREAS, she leaves to cherish her memory and to carry on her notable legacy: daughter, Millicent Michelle Bingham; grandchildren, Devin Bingham, Ja'Niel Bingham and Brayden Bingham; brothers, Ernest Allen (Eve) and Louis Allen; special cousins, Imogene Burton and special nephew, Vincent Parker. The children of her late brothers, Roy Allen, Carl Allen and Donald Allen and a host of grand nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and the Emmanuel MB Church Family; and

WHEREAS, Margarett Bingham leaves a great legacy and served an historic role within the Department of Corrections, the Department of Mental Health and the State of Mississippi. Margarett's love, commitment and lasting impact on her family and the State of Mississippi will be missed:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the deepest sympathy of the Legislature to the surviving family and friends of Margarett Louise Allen-Bingham who was the first female Superintendent of a correctional facility in Mississippi and longtime respected leader in the field of correctional and mental health and our thanks for sharing Margarett with us and with the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Margarett Louise Allen-Bingham, forwarded to Robert Davidson President of the Board of Directors of the Center for Independent Learning/the Friendship Connection and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.