SLS 23RS-2968 ORIGINAL
2023 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 191
BY SENATOR FIELDS
CONDOLENCES. Expresses condolences upon the passing of Brother Richard Obra Early.
1 A RESOLUTION
2 To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
3 passing of Brother Richard Obra Early.
4 WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow that the Senate of the Legislature of
5 Louisiana learned that Richard Obra Early, endearingly known as Brother Early, departed
6 this life on Thursday, June 1, 2023; and
7 WHEREAS, Richard Obra Early, the beloved and only son of Jessie and Clara Early,
8 was born on August 25, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and
9 WHEREAS, Brother Early committed over forty years of his life to Southern
10 University and A&M College, diligently serving as a mechanic and supervisor; and
11 WHEREAS, renowned for his compassion, empathy, and steadfast commitment,
12 Richard Obra Early was a beloved figure among his family, friends, the Southern University
13 campus community, and his unwavering and devoted neighborhood; and
14 WHEREAS, Brother Early's profound influence spanned across his family and the
15 Southern University community, as he left an indelible mark on countless lives through his
16 unwavering respect and kindness as he walked his life of faith; and
17 WHEREAS, Brother Early, admired by peers, colleagues, and the entire community,
18 exemplified integrity, reliability, and a genuine commitment to surpass expectations in
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SLS 23RS-2968 ORIGINAL
1 providing aid to those in need; and
2 WHEREAS, left to cherish the life and memories of Brother Early are his wife of
3 sixty-four years, Ella Mae Beverly Early; his devoted son, Sheldon Keith Early Sr. who is
4 married to Mignon Breaux Early; his beloved daughter, Sherita Early Thomas who is
5 married to Davey Brent Thomas; his cherished sister, Dorothy Early Davis; his adored
6 grandchildren, Megan Marie Early-Soppa who is married to Philipp Kolya Soppa, Sheldon
7 Keith Early Jr. who is married to Lisbeth Hanna Early, Diael Simone Thomas, and Claire
8 Amee Thomas; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Noah Eloise Early and Sunday Kolya
9 Early-Soppa; and
10 WHEREAS, his nieces and nephews, Carol T. Brackins, EmClaire Knowles, Willie
11 Smith Jr. Ivy Early, Wanda S. Davis, Karen D. Williams, Judith D. Gibson, DeAnne D.
12 Sutton, Jade Jackson, Justin E. Davis, Paul K. Davis, Elza Charles Brazier, Jerome Kenneth
13 Brazier, and Sidney Green will deeply mourn the loss of Brother Early and hold his memory
14 close to their hearts; and
15 WHEREAS, the loss of Brother Early creates an irreplaceable void in the hearts and
16 lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him, working alongside him, and above all,
17 sharing in unwavering faith; and
18 WHEREAS, surrounded by family in Greenville, South Carolina, Brother Early
19 accepted his gift of eternal life on Thursday, June 1, 2023, and was laid to rest on Monday,
20 June 5, 2023, at Southern Memorial Gardens, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and
21 WHEREAS, acknowledging the profound loss of Brother Richard Obra Early, the
22 Louisiana Legislature honors his memory and legacy with deep gratitude and fondness for
23 his invaluable contributions to his family, friends, and community.
24 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
25 does hereby express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Brother Richard Obra
26 Early.
27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
28 family of Brother Richard Obra Early as a testament to the enduring impact of his life.
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SLS 23RS-2968 ORIGINAL
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Michelle B. Johnson.
DIGEST
SR 191 Original 2023 Regular Session Fields
Expresses condolences upon the passing of Brother Richard Obra Early.
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