CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. JESSIE BRYANT MOSLEY Central United Methodist Church 500 North Farish Street Jackson, Mississippi 39202 June 21, 2003 DR. JESSIE BRYANT MOSLEY November 30, 1903- June 6, 2003 DR. JESSIE BRYANT MOSLEY was a tireless advocate of civil and human rights. Her life achievements attest to her selfless commitment to social activism. As State Convener of the National Council of Negro Women she made considerable contributions to the development of programs devoted to children, food banks, and foster parents. She also guided her organization to purchase the 86 acres of land formerly known as Okolona College. A native of Texas, DR. MOSLEY'S concern for African American children manifested itself in numerous ways at Jarvis Christian College, where she organized a library and served the first librarian. DR. MOSLEY and her family moved to Mississippi 60 years ago. While the family lived at Southern Christian Institute in Edwards, Mississippi, DR. MOSLEY continued her profound interest in the development of opportunities for African American children. As a social science teacher, in 1977, DR. MOSLEY became aware that African American children in Jackson knew very little about their history or the achievements of African Americans. This concern led her to petition and lobby for the preservation of the Smith Robertson School located in the Farish Street district. The City of Jackson granted her request, and today the school is a museum, The Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center of Jackson, Mississippi. The Smith Robertson School, erected in 1894, was the first school built for African Americans by the City of Jackson. DR. MOSLEY'S passion for African American history also motivated her to write and publish THE NEGRO IN MISSISSIPPI lllSTORY, a book that chronicles African Americans contributions to the State of Mississippi. In recognition of her tireless efforts, DR. MOSLEY received the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award presented jointly by the National Education Association (NEA) and the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) for her leadership and creativity in promoting Black History Month, for furthering the understanding and appreciation of Black Americans' heritage, and for making significant positive change in a local community. DR. MOSLEY was indeed a community acttvtst. Her efforts to preserve the rich African American history that is peculiar to Jackson, Mississippi, personifies advocacy in action. Her activities also included key participation in the International Year of the Woman assembly, organization of the first WIC program in Jackson, and establishment of a shoe store when quality service was not available to the African American community. DR. MOSLEY also served as the first cashier/teller of State Mutual Savings and Loan. Additionally, with great dedication, love for her state, and hope for its progress, DR. MOSLEY quietly established HWednesday 's In Mississippi. " This event facilitated the opportunity for better race communication and dialogue. DR. MOSLEY was an active member of the United Christian Church, one of the seven incorporators of the Farish Street Foundatio~ a member of the LeFleur Chapter, Links, Inc., and Honorary Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.. DR. MOSLEY was also a long-time member of The Federation of Colored Women's Club and an early member of the 100 Black Women. DR. MOSLEY, the wife ofDr. Charles Clint Mosley, Sr. (deceased) for 63 years, was the mother of three children: Charles C. Mosley, Jr. (deceased), Gene LaValle Mosley and Wilma Emma Mosley Clopton. In addition to her surviving childre~ DR. MOSLEY'S legacy includes eight (8) grandchildren (Kathy Yvonne Mosley, Charles C. Mosley, III, Alan Scott Mosley (deceased), Jessylen Rose Mosley Jackson, Charlton James Mosley, Charolyn Mosley, William F. Clopto~ Jr., John Bryant Clopton and twelve (12) great-grandchildren. DR. MOSLEY'S commitment to education was not limited to ensuring that each of her children received a college education. The generosity of DR. MOSLEY and her husband extended to 22 other children, also providing them with college educations. As her light so shined, so she lived. DR. MOSLEY was indeed the essence of the statement "Character consists ofwhat you do on the third andfourth tries." (author unknown)." DR. JESSIE BRYANT MOSLEY CELEBRATION OF LIFE CEREMONY 1:00PM IVY BEYOND THEWALL CEREMONY Gamma Rho and Beta Delta Omega Chapters . Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2:00PM MEMORIAL CELEBRATION OFFICIANT FAMILY PROCESSION CONGREGATIONAL HYMN The Reverend Russell Myers, Minister United Christian Church "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" SCRIPTURE PRAYER POEM SOLO TRIBUTES Elder Esau Wilson, United Christian Church I Corinthians 15:50-58 "Jnvictus" Tommie "Tonea" Stewart, Ph.D. Actress/Professor/Director of Theatre Alabama State University "Why Should I Feel Discouraged" Dr. Wilma Emma Mosley Clopton Mrs. Dorothy Bolden, Family and Friends Mrs. Nina Green, Neighbors Mrs. Mary Burciaga, State Convener National Council ofNegro Women Mrs. Gwendolyn Chambliss Mississippi Federation of Colored Women Clubs Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, National Program Chair Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mrs. Lois Flagg, Southern Christian Institute Mrs. Mary Gates, President, Okolana Project TRIBUTES, CONTINUED Mrs. Barbara Barber, Mississippi Association for the PreseiVation of Smith Robinson School and Cultural Center Dr. Alferdteen Harrison, Smith Robinson Museum and Cultural Center Mr. Vern Gavin, Board Member, Farish Street Neighborhood Historic District Foundation Ms. Linda St. Martin, International Year ofthe Women League ofWomen Voters Dr. LaVerne Allen Gentry, 100 Black Women, Central Mississippi Chapter RESOLUTIONS The Honorable Ronnie Musgrove, Governor, State ofMississippi (On Display at Reception) The Honorable Bennie G. Thompson, U. S. Congressman Mississippi 2nd District Dr. Otho Burton, City ofJackson The Honorable Peggy Hobson-Calhoun, Board of Supervisors Hinds County SupeiVisor, District 3 The Honorable Alice Clark, State Representative, District 69 Jarvis Christian College (On Display at Reception) Tougaloo College (On Display at Reception) THE OBITUARY (Read Silently) Music by Mr. Don London Community Stewpot EULOGY Mr. Gene L. Mosley BENEDICTION 4:00PM RECEPTION* Smith Robinson Museum and Cultural Center Hosted by The National Council ofNegro Women, State ofMississippi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The family of Dr. Jessie Bryant Mosley extends sincere appreciation for your presence, prayers, and courtesies extended during this time. Thank you and may God forever bless you. USHERS FOR MEMORIAL SERVICFS Members of Gamma Rho and Beta Delta Omega Chapters Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. SERVICES BY: Collins Funeral Home, 415 North Farish Street, Jackson, Mississippi (60 1-948-7223) FACILITIES COURTESY OF: Central United Methodist Church SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROVIDED BY: The City of Jackson 7he family invites everyone to attend the Reception. DR. JESSIE BRYANT MOSLEY Partial Catalog of Lifetime Achievements, Awards, and Certificates DATE ACHIEVEMENTS, AWARDS, CERTIFICATES ORGANIZATION 1976 1978 1984 1986 1987 1987 1987 1989 1990 1991 1991 1992 1994 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 Religious Heritage of America Award Doctor of Humane Letters Proclamation Spirit ofMississippi Award Award of Merit Senior Citizen of the Year Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award Plaque of Appreciation for Continued Support ofPublic Service 1990 Outstanding Community Volunteer Excellence in Leadership and Service Citizen of the Year Award for Service and Leadership Tougaloo Living Legend Award Doctor of Humane Letters Community Activist Greetings and Congratulations for Honorary Doctorate Certificate of Appreciation, Lifetime Contribution to Historical Preservation Recognition "Power of One" Mississippi Women Outstanding Service as State Convener Hinds County Department of Human Services Building Named In Her Honor, Dr. Jessie B. Mosley Building Religious Heritage of America Jarvis Christian College Governor William A. Allain WLBT, TV-3 Mississippi Historical Society Mississippi Independent Beauticians and Barbers Association National Education Association (NEA) and Association for the Study of AfroAmerican Life and History (ASLAH) Jackson State University School of Education Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services and McRae's The Alpha Phi Circle of the OAK and Tassels Chapter of Mortar Board, University ofMississippi Beta Alpha Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Tougaloo College Tougaloo College President Walter Washington Alcorn State University Mayor Kane Ditto City of Jackson Governor Kirk Fordice National Council ofNegro Women Metro Jackson Chapter Hinds County Board of Supervisors DR. JESSIE BRYANT MOSLEY Partial Catalog of Lifetime Achievements, Awards, and Certificates DATE ACHIEVEMENTS,AWARDS, CERTIFICATES ORGANIZATION 1997 Certificate of Appreciation 1998 1998 Ageless Heroes for Community Service Involvement Certificate Award for Outstanding Achievement in Civics, Arts, and Culture 1998 Honorary Member 1998 2000 -- Mary McLeod Bethune Living Legend Award Resolution for Lifelong Service 2000 Black History: Preservation of African Americans in Jackson, Mississippi 2000 Appreciation Award 2000 Recognition of Service 2000 2002 Honorary Pilot License "Steamboat Pilot" State Convener's Award 2002 2003 2003 2002 Preservation Achievement Award, Outstanding Service in Historic Preservation Recognition of Outstanding Service in the Life of United Christian Church Spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha Award 71 st South Eastern Regional Conference Smith Robertson Museum and Alamo Restoration Project Religious Heritage of America National Council ofBusiness Women, Central Mississippi Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upon the Recommendation of Gamma Rho Chapter Jackson State University National Council ofNegro Women, Delta Section National Council ofNegro Women, State Conference The Board of Trustees State Institutions ofHigher Learning National Council ofNegro Women, Holmes County Section National Council ofNegro Women, Lee County Section Motor Vessel Bennaurd Corps ofEngineers National Council ofNegro Women, Local Sections of NCNW, State of Mississippi, Inc. Jackson Historic Preservation Commission, City of Jackson United Christian Church Jackson, Mississippi Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE I am weak but thou art strong, Jesus keep me from all wrong, I'll be satisfied as long, As I walk, let me walk Close to thee. Through this world of toils and snares, If I falter Lord who cares, Who with me my burdens shares, None but thee, dear Lord, None but thee. When my feeble life is o'er, Time for me won't be no more, II Guide me gently, safely o'er, To thy kingdom shore, To thy shore. Refrain Just a closer walk with thee; Grant it, Jesus, if you please, Daily walking close with Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, Let it be.