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