MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Rules By: Representative Banks House Resolution 69 (As Adopted by House) A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MR. MILLER BERNARD SMITH, JR., AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING. WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and WHEREAS, the community of Jackson, Mississippi, and beyond mourns the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and esteemed radio personality, Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., affectionately known as "Junebug" and musically revered as "The Mighty Burner," who departed this life on February 12, 2025, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and WHEREAS, born on January 15, 1952, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Miller Bernard Smith, Sr., and Jessie Mable Thomas, Miller was the second of two children, and was blessed with a loving upbringing that laid the foundation for a life of service, passion and dedication, which was premised on his academic journey, which began at Christ the King Catholic School, followed by his matriculation through Blackburn Middle School and Jim Hill High School within the Jackson Public School District; and WHEREAS, Mr. Smith embarked his postsecondary matriculation at 'Thee' Jackson State University, where he not only expanded his intellectual horizons, but also met the love of his life, the former Miss Brenda Faye Spell, penning a love story that culminated in holy matrimony on November 7, 1981, which was blessed with the birth of two cherished daughters, Jessica and Amanda; and WHEREAS, grounded in faith, Smith accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and became a dedicated member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where his spiritual growth and moral character were deeply nurtured; and WHEREAS, Mr. Smith devoted thirty years of service to Bell South Telephone Company, demonstrating an exemplary work ethic and commitment to excellence, and it was during this time that he discovered his true calling in music and broadcasting, leading him to pursue his passion at the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Nashville, Tennessee, where upon completion, he emerged as "The Mighty Burner," a name that would become synonymous with musical brilliance and vibrant radio programming; and WHEREAS, through his role as both a radio host and program director at WMPR 90.1 FM, Mr. Smith became a guiding force in the airwaves, bringing soul, jazz, and community-focused discussions to listeners far and wide, which were embodied in his love for music, storytelling and cultural expression resonated deeply, making him a treasured figure in the Mississippi radio landscape; and WHEREAS, beyond music and broadcasting, Mr. Smith was an avid reader, a lover of history and politics, and an admirer of classic movies, establishing himself as a cherished companion among family and friends admired for his passion for knowledge, keen intellect and engaging conversations; and WHEREAS, though he has traversed the rivers of life to now stand upon the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, Mr. Smith's legacy of love, wisdom and inspiration will live on through those who survive him, including: his devoted wife of 43 years, Brenda Faye Spell Smith; daughters, Jessica Yvette Tucker (Stephen) and Amanda Michelle Smith; grandsons, Jayden and Kason Tucker; sister, Joanna Smith-Stephens (George); niece, Jade Danielle Berry; aunt, Yvonne Heloise Payne; special cousins, Fred L. Banks, Jr., Karl M. Banks, Sr., Earle S. Banks, Wanda Brandon and Leneatra Payton; and a host of other relatives, co-workers and friends; and WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the lives of treasured icons of Mr. Smith's caliber, though his physical presence will be missed, the echo of his voice, the rhythm of his music, and the warmth of his soul will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the extraordinary life of Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., remembering his unwavering commitment to family, faith, music, education and community, and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., to WMPR 90.1 FM and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Banks
# House Resolution 69
## (As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MR. MILLER BERNARD SMITH, JR., AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, the community of Jackson, Mississippi, and beyond mourns the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and esteemed radio personality, Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., affectionately known as "Junebug" and musically revered as "The Mighty Burner," who departed this life on February 12, 2025, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and
WHEREAS, born on January 15, 1952, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Miller Bernard Smith, Sr., and Jessie Mable Thomas, Miller was the second of two children, and was blessed with a loving upbringing that laid the foundation for a life of service, passion and dedication, which was premised on his
academic journey, which began at Christ the King Catholic School, followed by his matriculation through Blackburn Middle School and Jim Hill High School within the Jackson Public School District; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith embarked his postsecondary matriculation at 'Thee' Jackson State University, where he not only expanded his intellectual horizons, but also met the love of his life, the former Miss Brenda Faye Spell, penning a love story that culminated in holy matrimony on November 7, 1981, which was blessed with the birth of two cherished daughters, Jessica and Amanda; and
WHEREAS, grounded in faith, Smith accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and became a dedicated member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where his spiritual growth and moral character were deeply nurtured; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith devoted thirty years of service to Bell South Telephone Company, demonstrating an exemplary work ethic and commitment to excellence, and it was during this time that he discovered his true calling in music and broadcasting, leading him to pursue his passion at the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Nashville, Tennessee, where upon completion, he emerged as "The Mighty Burner," a name that would become synonymous with musical brilliance and vibrant radio programming; and
WHEREAS, through his role as both a radio host and program director at WMPR 90.1 FM, Mr. Smith became a guiding force in the airwaves, bringing soul, jazz, and community-focused discussions to listeners far and wide, which were embodied in his love for music, storytelling and cultural expression resonated deeply, making him a treasured figure in the Mississippi radio landscape; and
WHEREAS, beyond music and broadcasting, Mr. Smith was an avid reader, a lover of history and politics, and an admirer of classic movies, establishing himself as a cherished companion among family and friends admired for his passion for knowledge, keen intellect and engaging conversations; and
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the rivers of life to now stand upon the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, Mr. Smith's legacy of love, wisdom and inspiration will live on through those who survive him, including: his devoted wife of 43 years, Brenda Faye Spell Smith; daughters, Jessica Yvette Tucker (Stephen) and Amanda Michelle Smith; grandsons, Jayden and Kason Tucker; sister, Joanna Smith-Stephens (George); niece, Jade Danielle Berry; aunt, Yvonne Heloise Payne; special cousins, Fred L. Banks, Jr., Karl M. Banks, Sr., Earle S. Banks, Wanda Brandon and Leneatra Payton; and a host of other relatives, co-workers and friends; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the lives of treasured icons of Mr. Smith's caliber, though his physical presence will be missed, the echo of his voice, the rhythm of his music, and the warmth of his soul will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the extraordinary life of Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., remembering his unwavering commitment to family, faith, music, education and community, and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Miller Bernard Smith, Jr., to WMPR 90.1 FM and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.