HLS 21RS-2984 ORIGINAL
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 116
BY REPRESENTATIVE JAMES
COMMENDATIONS: Commends Elder John W. Burris, Sr., on the occasion of his
retirement
1 A RESOLUTION
2To commend Elder John W. Burris, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement.
3 WHEREAS, Elder Burris was raised by his grandmother, Mamie Burris, in Folsom,
4Louisiana; as a child, he regularly attended church services and Sunday school where he
5developed strong Christian values; and
6 WHEREAS, later in life, Elder Burris joined Independence United Methodist Church
7in Hammond; he then returned home to Folsom and joined Midway Church of Christ
8Holiness USA to study under Elder Samuel Murray; in 1972, he began his own ministry, and
9after Elder Murray's passing, Bishop J.L. Burris appointed him pastor of Midway Church
10of Christ Holiness; under his leadership, the young adult choir was formed and a trustee
11board, building fund, and other ministries were established; and
12 WHEREAS, after serving Midway for nine years, Elder Burris joined Oak Grove
13Memorial Church of Christ Holiness USA in Tickfaw, Louisiana, under the leadership of
14Elder Willie Earl Dyson; after Elder Dyson's passing, Elder Burris was appointed pastor; in
151996, Oak Grove relocated from Tickfaw to downtown Hammond; Bishop Vernon
16Kennebrew then appointed Elder Burris as chairman of District #5; during his eight year
17tenure as district chairman, he served the community by teaching religious classes and
18counseling community members; and
19 WHEREAS, Elder Burris has been happily married to Lillie M. Brumfield for sixty-
20one years; together they have three children, Scherry Ferrill, Wanda Stuart, and John Burris,
21Jr.; seven grandchildren, Bradley, Sommer, Maya, Allen, John III, Journey, and Dareni;
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HR NO. 116
1three great-grandchildren, Autumn, Bradley, Jr., and Braylon; two sons-in-law, Glen and
2William; a daughter-in-law, Debbie; and a granddaughter-in-law, Heather; and
3 WHEREAS, Elder Burris made countless lifelong friends and exceeded the lofty
4expectations set for him during his thirty-eight year tenure as pastor of Oak Grove Memorial
5Church; his signature scripture verse, from II Corinthians 5:7, reads: "For we walk by faith,
6not by sight"; this passage is a fitting testament to his faith and devotion throughout his
7inspiring career; he is most deserving of recognition.
8 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
9Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Elder John W. Burris, Sr., on the occasion
10of his retirement; does hereby recognize Elder Burris's lifelong dedication to the service of
11his church communities; and does hereby extend sincere wishes that Elder Burris enjoy
12comfort and prosperity in retirement.
13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Elder
14John W. Burris, Sr.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 116 Original 2021 Regular Session James
Commends Elder John W. Burris, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement.
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