MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2011 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Scott

House Resolution 16

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND HERITAGE OF MRS. MARIE B. HARTER AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Marie B. Harter, of Ellisville, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at the age of 91, to enter into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father, making life's transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, and rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

     WHEREAS, one who relied heavily on her faith, Mrs. Harter was a faithful member of St. Johns Episcopal Church, and remained devout in her Christian service and patronage throughout her life, reflecting her passion for God through her commitment to assisting others and her Christ-like care and concern for the building of the kingdom; and

     WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to the building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of her life by the immaculate author and finisher of our souls' destiny, the holy architect and god-head of the Great Deity, Mrs. Marie's heart was pierced by the love, chivalry and affection of Mr. Louis "Rip" Harter, and the two became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh in a marriage that spanned 45 years; and

     WHEREAS, a diligent worker, Mrs. Harter began her career during World War II at the Alabama Dry Docks in Mobile, and later at Smith and Sons, Rag-a-Bag and "The Little Shop," a dress boutique that she managed in Laurel, Mississippi, where she assured reputable service with a smile; and

     WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles she assumed, a devoted wife and treasured friend, Mrs. Harter and her husband, Rip, were great friends of Amos and Anne McDonald, whose children, Deborrah, George Harold, Hill and Representative Omeria Scott, they often proclaimed as theirs as they had no children of their own; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Marie imparted her genuine spirit of kindness through a benevolent affinity for mankind that transcended race, creed, socio-economic status and personal philosophies as evidenced by her lasting friendship with Mrs. McDonald, with whom she worked alongside at Smith and Sons, and who she affectionately referred to as "My Annie," a bond that was forged and solidified by the two phone calls the pair shared everyday, even when race relations were tumultuous, until Mrs. McDonald's passing in 1994; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Harter, who was the living embodiment of a woman of Proverbs 31:10 distinction and possessed the ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, to be a woman after God's own heart, was preceded in death by her husband, Louis "Rip" Harter; her parents, Martin and Donia Biglane; and six brothers, Sears Biglane, Aaron Biglane, Tom Biglane, Vaughn Biglane, Earmon Biglane and Webber Biglane; and

     WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon her arrival to the celestial shores of heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Mrs. Harter's memory, which if put to music, would be a majestic symphonic masterpiece composed by the Holy Trinity, will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of her beloved survivors:  two sisters, Dorothy Stanley and Sema Lee (Webber) Wood; 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 noble and selfless individual as Mrs. Harter, whose time upon this earth was a testament of God's promise of longevity to those who are faithful unto him in service, and who are zealous in word and deed to their brethren:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Marie B. Harter, whose life was a testament to her devotion to God and her family, and express sincere and 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. Harter and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.