ENROLLED
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 116
BY REPRESENTATIVE JAMES
A RESOLUTION
To commend Elder John W. Burris, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement.
WHEREAS, Elder Burris was raised by his grandmother, Mamie Burris, in Folsom,
Louisiana; as a child, he regularly attended church services and Sunday school where he
developed strong Christian values; and
WHEREAS, later in life, Elder Burris joined Independence United Methodist Church
in Hammond; he then returned home to Folsom and joined Midway Church of Christ
Holiness USA to study under Elder Samuel Murray; in 1972, he began his own ministry, and
after Elder Murray's passing, Bishop J.L. Burris appointed him pastor of Midway Church
of Christ Holiness; under his leadership, the young adult choir was formed and a trustee
board, building fund, and other ministries were established; and
WHEREAS, after serving Midway for nine years, Elder Burris joined Oak Grove
Memorial Church of Christ Holiness USA in Tickfaw, Louisiana, under the leadership of
Elder Willie Earl Dyson; after Elder Dyson's passing, Elder Burris was appointed pastor; in
1996, Oak Grove relocated from Tickfaw to downtown Hammond; Bishop Vernon
Kennebrew then appointed Elder Burris as chairman of District #5; during his eight year
tenure as district chairman, he served the community by teaching religious classes and
counseling community members; and
WHEREAS, Elder Burris has been happily married to Lillie M. Brumfield for sixty-
one years; together they have three children, Scherry Ferrill, Wanda Stuart, and John Burris,
Jr.; seven grandchildren, Bradley, Sommer, Maya, Allen, John III, Journey, and Dareni;
three great-grandchildren, Autumn, Bradley, Jr., and Braylon; two sons-in-law, Glen and
William; a daughter-in-law, Debbie; and a granddaughter-in-law, Heather; and
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WHEREAS, Elder Burris made countless lifelong friends and exceeded the lofty
expectations set for him during his thirty-eight year tenure as pastor of Oak Grove Memorial
Church; his signature scripture verse, from II Corinthians 5:7, reads: "For we walk by faith,
not by sight"; this passage is a fitting testament to his faith and devotion throughout his
inspiring career; he is most deserving of recognition.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Elder John W. Burris, Sr., on the occasion
of his retirement; does hereby recognize Elder Burris's lifelong dedication to the service of
his church communities; and does hereby extend sincere wishes that Elder Burris enjoy
comfort and prosperity in retirement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Elder
John W. Burris, Sr.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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