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First Extraordinary Session, 2011 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 6
BY SENATORS JACKSON, ADLEY, CHEEK, ALARIO, AMEDEE, APPEL, BROOME,
CHABERT, CHAISSON, CLAITOR, CROWE, DONAHUE, DORSEY,
ERDEY, GAUTREAUX, GUILLORY, HEITMEIER, KOSTELKA,
LAFLEUR, LONG, MARIONNEAUX, MARTINY, MCPHERSON,
MICHOT, MILLS, MORRELL, MORRISH, MOUNT, MURRAY,
NEVERS, PERRY, PETERSON, QUINN, RISER, SHAW, SMITH,
THOMPSON, WALSWORTH AND WILLARD-LEWIS
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Balistine Williams Tarver Hopkins, owner of Shreveport's J.S. Williams
Funeral Home and mother of former Louisiana State Senator Greg Tarver.
WHEREAS, it is with deep sadness and profound sorrow that the members of the
Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana have learned of the death of Balistine Williams Tarver
Hopkins, on Friday, March 18, 2011, at the age of ninety-one; and
WHEREAS, Balistine Williams was the youngest of six siblings born to Reverend
J.S. and Carrie Williams who were pioneers in the funeral industry; and
WHEREAS, Balistine retired from her family business after fifty years of service to
the one hundred thirteen year old establishment; and
WHEREAS, Balistine Williams Tarver Hopkins, was a dedicated citizen of
Louisiana, who worked tirelessly on a multitude of business, civic, political, and religious
causes throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, this devout Christian family matriarch, and extraordinary woman
clearly demonstrated during her life her dedication to her family, job, community, state, and
her country; and
WHEREAS, her numerous accomplishments in public and private life reflected her
strength, bravery, compassion, and commitment to others; and
WHEREAS, she was a loving and devoted mother and stepmother, a committed
grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, aunt, and relative whose love of family and friends
was of utmost importance in her life; and SR NO. 6 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, upon her death the world lost a unique individual who left an indelible
mark upon her community and the lives of all those who knew her; and
WHEREAS, the success of the state of Louisiana, the strength of our communities,
and the overall vitality of American society depend in great measure on dedicated strong
women like Balistine Williams Tarver Hopkins.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby extend its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Balistine Williams
Tarver Hopkins.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Balistine Williams Tarver Hopkins.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE