House Resolution 13

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LESLA WALKER AMMONS.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on Friday, January 6, 2017, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Lesla Walker Ammons, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Ammons blessed the world with her presence on September 14, 1943, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to loving parents Lester and Cleola Hill, and when she proudly graduated from the former Jackson State College, she began her illustrious teaching career at Carrie Dotson High School in 1969, embarking on her journey to become educator extraordinaire; and

WHEREAS, upon desegregation, Mrs. Ammons began teaching at Grenada High School, where her career as an educator was nothing short of heroic, as the goodwill and inspiration she provided to her students undoubtedly had a profound effect on their future success; and

WHEREAS, her 37-year teaching career traversed a variety of subjects, including Spanish, French and English, but at each and every stop along her way, she encouraged her students to study the fundamentals, inspired them to believe in themselves as she so strongly believed in them, and helped them reach their fullest potential and achieve their dreams; and

WHEREAS, even though she was consumed with her teaching responsibilities, Lesla's love affair with learning and her passion for school was unquenchable, so she dedicated long hours to her studies in addition to her role in the classroom to earn her masters and specialist degrees from Delta State University; and

WHEREAS, as a teacher, the enthusiasm that Mrs. Ammons had for learning and high academic achievement overflowed to her students, and she is widely credited for imparting the constructs of the English language, especially the proper use of grammar, to her extremely grateful students, who realize their immaculate writing and oral communication skills would be mere fragments and stutters without her excellent tutelage; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the strides she made at the chalkboard, Mrs. Ammons also served as an administrator during her time in the school system, and upon her retirement, she carried the elite title of parent involvement coordinator for the Grenada School District, a job that she gave the utmost dedication to, as she did with all tasks she undertook; and

WHEREAS, Lesla's graciousness, compassion and extensive intellect charmed not only her many adoring students but the heart and soul of a man named Earl "Sonny" Ammons, and on December 13, 1975, the two lovebirds exchanged the vows of holy matrimony with the words, "I do," completing their family unit with the addition of two exquisite daughters, Sommer Carol and Maria Dawn; and

WHEREAS, a true embodiment of the godly characteristics of a Proverbs 31:30 woman, Mrs. Ammons was a Christian leader throughout her community and in her church, Greater Powell Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she served as Steward Pro-Tem, a Steward and a Sunday School superintendent, and coordinated and arranged numerous plays and chaired several different events and activities; and

WHEREAS, a passionate educator, whether at home, church or school, and a strong, loving and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Mrs. Ammons was the epitome of class, beauty and grace, and through her kind, sincere heart and undeniable energy, she touched the lives of all those who crossed her tender and charming path, and her warm hugs and bright smile will be cherished in the hearts and memories of her family, friends, former colleagues, former students, church friends and others who knew her and experienced her greatness; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Mrs. Ammons, a woman held in the highest regard by friends and family as an inspiring and precious gift from God, will continue to refresh the hearts and memories of her beloved survivors: her husband, Sonny Ammons; daughters, Sommer Ammons Guerin and Maria Ammons Barnett; sister, Eddie Carol Stephens; grandchildren, Noah Anthony and Skye Marie Barnett; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member in Revelation 21:4, wherein is recorded, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" and renewed in their faith that Mrs. Ammons fulfilled the commandment of II Timothy 4:7 by having fought a good fight, finishing her course and keeping the faith until the hour of her departure was at hand; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of fine Mississippians, especially those such as Mrs. Lesla Walker Ammons, a positive role model and exceptional teacher who always put others before herself, loved her family and friends unconditionally, and worshipped the Lord God Almighty with all of her heart, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

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