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H. R. No. 138 *HR43/R2730* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Scott
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 138
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, 1
LEGACY AND SERVICE OF MR. WILLIE H. JEFFERSON, AND EXPRESSING 2
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING. 3
WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to 4
every purpose under the Heaven," and in accordance with that 5
divine order, the Almighty summoned the soul of Mr. Willie H. 6
Jefferson from labor to rest on December 22, 2025, leaving behind 7
a legacy of faith, service, love and quiet strength that now lives 8
on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues and community; 9
and 10
WHEREAS, born June 24, 1956, in Jones County, Mississippi, to 11
Mr. Tom Jefferson and the late Mrs. Ella M. Jefferson, a young 12
Willie was shaped by values of integrity, perseverance and 13
compassion that would define a life committed to public service 14
and human dignity; and 15
WHEREAS, Mr. Jefferson devoted more than three decades of 16
distinguished service to Ellisville State School, where he was 17
widely regarded as a principled leader, a tireless advocate and a 18
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steadfast steward of care for Mississippi's most vulnerable 19
citizens, earning the respect of peers and supervisors alike for 20
his intelligence, loyalty and unwavering concern for quality of 21
service; and 22
WHEREAS, committed to lifelong learning and professional 23
excellence, Mr. Jefferson completed coursework at Jones County 24
Junior College, earned a bachelor of science in social 25
rehabilitation services from The University of Southern 26
Mississippi, and obtained a master of arts in counseling 27
psychology from William Carey College, later becoming a Certified 28
Mental Health Therapist and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator; 29
and 30
WHEREAS, his professional journey reflected both 31
determination and purpose, beginning in June 1973 as a security 32
officer and progressing through numerous leadership roles, 33
including Facility Maintenance Repair, Residential Program 34
Services Supervisor, Nursing Home Administrator, Coordinator of 35
Health Facilities, Division Director II, and Facility Assistant 36
Director, a position he faithfully held from 1992 until his 37
retirement in 2005; and 38
WHEREAS, his contributions extended well beyond a single 39
institution, as he also provided consultation services and 40
professional expertise to the South Mississippi Regional Center, 41
North Mississippi Regional Center, and Boswell Regional Center, 42
and served with distinction on numerous advisory and advocacy 43
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bodies dedicated to the advancement of individuals with 44
developmental disabilities; and 45
WHEREAS, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and 46
service, Mr. Jefferson was the recipient of the MAAMR Paul D. 47
Cotten, Ph.D. Leadership Award, and his voice and counsel 48
strengthened organizations such as the Mississippi Development 49
Disabilities Planning Council, the Jones County Extension Service 50
Advisory Board and the Ellisville State School Human Rights 51
Advocacy Committee; and 52
WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Mr. Jefferson was a 53
faithfully devoted member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist 54
Church, where he served on the Deacon Board, exemplifying 55
Christian humility, servant leadership and steadfast devotion to 56
the work of the church; and 57
WHEREAS, above all titles and accomplishments, Mr. Jefferson 58
was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and 59
cherished friend, whose life was enriched and sustained by the 60
love of his beloved wife, Barbara Jefferson, their daughters, 61
Cynthia and Monica Jefferson, and grandchildren, as well as a host 62
of relatives and friends who found in him both strength and 63
gentleness; and 64
WHEREAS, even as he has crossed the river of life to eternal 65
reward, the legacy of Mr. Jefferson's compassion, leadership and 66
faith continues to speak, reminding all who knew him that a life 67
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ST: Willie H. Jefferson; commend life, legacy
and service upon his passing.
lived in service to others leaves an imprint that time cannot 68
erase; and 69
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 70
recognize and honor the lives of selfless Mississippians, 71
especially those such as Mr. Willie H. Jefferson, whose life's 72
light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along 73
this earthly sojourn: 74
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 75
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 76
mourn the loss and commemorate the life, legacy and service of Mr. 77
Willie H. Jefferson, and extend deepest sympathy and heartfelt 78
condolences to his family and friends who grieve his passing, 79
while honoring a life that strengthened institutions, uplifted 80
communities and reflected the highest ideals of public service and 81
Christian faith. 82
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 83
furnished to the family of Mr. Willie H. Jefferson and to the 84
members of the Capitol Press Corps. 85