HR223INTRODUCED
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HR223
V7UEQVL-1
By Representative Givan
RFD:
First Read: 09-Apr-25
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5 V7UEQVL-1 04/09/2025 NG (L)NG 2025-1609
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First Read: 09-Apr-25
HR____ MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
PATRICIA ANN PAUL WITHERSPOON.
WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow that we note the
death of Patricia "Pat" Ann Paul Witherspoon of Brighton,
Alabama, on April 3, 2025, at the age of 74; her departure
leaves a void in the lives of her loving family, many
friends, and the community where she was highly regarded;
and
WHEREAS, Pat Witherspoon was born September 16, 1950,
to Percy and Clariece Paul in Brighton, Alabama; she was the
third oldest of six children; she accepted Christ at an
early age at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Brighton, where she
was an active member; and
WHEREAS, she later became a member of New Bethlehem
Baptist Church, Bessemer; her 27 years of dedicated service
to the church included: instituting the Welcome and Pastoral
Support ministries, expanding the Youth Department, serving
as Youth Director, Sunday School teacher, Usher Board,
Missionary Society, and choir member; she later joined First
Baptist Church of Brighton, where she continued to serve,
chair, and grow ministries; and
WHEREAS, her childhood education was centered in the
Brighton Schools; after graduating from Brighton High School
in 1968, she accepted a job with the Social Security
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in 1968, she accepted a job with the Social Security
Administration in Bessemer; she matriculated at the Alverson
Draughon Business College in Birmingham, Alabama, earning an
Associate's Degree and completing her studies at the
Birmingham Baptist Bible College; and
WHEREAS, Pat's professionalism and work ethic granted
her the opportunities to serve in various capacities which
include, but are not limited to: Sales Team Supervisor of
the Berry Company, in which she consistently exceeded her
quota in sales; AT&T; Highland Memorial Gardens; and the
Director of Jesus Christian Daycare & School; she was
employed at Alabama Power Company for 27 years, serving in
diverse roles such as, Human Resources, Public Relations and
Advertising Specialist, Communication Specialist, and Yellow
Page Advertising; she was a distinguished member of Who's
Who Worldwide, the Teacher Corps, and worked with the Red
Cross Blood Services, the 1996 Birmingham Olympic Soccer
Organizing Committee, and the Legislative Appreciation
Event, earning her the BSOC award; her most memorable moment
was appearing in the Jet Magazine representing Alabama Power
Company at the National Association of Black Journalists,
establishing business and lasting personal relationships;
and
WHEREAS, beyond her service to the church and
professional capacities, Patricia lived a life of caring for
everyone, with an immense love for family and her fur
babies, Pooh, Ivory, and grand-dog Kassie; her capabilities
allowed her to turn every negative into a positive, and her
strong faith in Jesus Christ helped her persevere in
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strong faith in Jesus Christ helped her persevere in
sickness and adversity; and
WHEREAS, Patricia was preceded in death by her
parents; brothers, Robert James Hawkins and Alvin Hawkins,
Jr.; she will be lovingly remembered by her daughter,
LaTunya Paul; sisters, Marcia Morrow, Deloris Luster
(Erwin), and LaDonna Cotton (Darryl); nieces and nephews,
Romey, Emanuel, Gloria, LaShay (Lynn), Jalaya, Darryl, Jr.,
Kyndal, Kynidi, and Lauryn; and a host of family, friends,
and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Witherspoon, a consummate leader who was
classy and caring, poised and passionate, elegant and
eloquent, and dependable and dedicated; her unwavering love
for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made a profound impact
on the lives she touched; she believed, "If you desire to
make a difference in the world, you must be different from
the world"; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the death of Patricia Ann Paul
Witherspoon is recorded with deep sadness, and this
resolution is offered to her family in tribute to her life
and with heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones whose grief is
shared by many.
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