ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 69
BY REPRESENTATIVE WILLARD
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Bernadine Elder
Gibson.
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness and profound regret that the House of
Representatives has learned of the passing of Bernadine Elder Gibson; and
WHEREAS, Bernadine Elder Gibson was born on March 10, 1940, in New Orleans,
Louisiana, and was educated in the public schools of Orleans Parish; she graduated from
Booker T. Washington Senior High School, then attended Delgado Junior College and
Southern University at New Orleans; she also received bachelor's and master's degrees in
religious education from Christian Bible College; and
WHEREAS, Bernadine, who was affectionately known as "Ms. Bern", was a member
of New Hope Baptist Church in New Orleans; she served the ministries of mission,
evangelism, youth, music, Christian education, Sunday school, Women of Wisdom, Woman
on Fire, and the rainbow choir; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her service to New Hope Baptist, Ms. Bern was a member
of the Louisiana Freedman Baptist General Association, the National Baptist Convention,
and the North American Baptist Women's Union; she was also a member of the New Orleans
Jazz and Heritage Festival Family Gospel Tent since its inception in 1970; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bern was also the founder of Ministry for Change–Good Trouble,
a nonprofit organization that works to reshape the lives of young people in her community,
and she received numerous awards for her charitable community work in New Orleans and
in Haiti; and
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WHEREAS, Bernadine Elder Gibson was known for her tenacity, wit, and
unforgettably candid manner of speaking; she was a powerfully devout and prayerful woman
who shared her deep love of God and family every day; she will be deeply missed, but
certainly never forgotten.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death of
Bernadine Elder Gibson and does hereby extend sincerest wishes that her family, friends,
and loved ones find comfort in their shared memories of her beautiful life.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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