SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 453 In Memory of Luther D. Edwards Jr. WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Pastor Luther D. Edwards Jr., who died October 19, 2016, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, Luther Edwards was born on November 28, 1935, in Rankin, to Luther Edwards Sr. and Louise Edwards; he attended public school in Palmer and later attended Paul Quinn College and the Southern Bible Institute to pursue his love of theology; and WHEREAS, He married the late Alice Rose Reagor in 1954, and to this union a son was born; he later married Flora Mae Mathis in 1957, and they were blessed with three children; the couple enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage together, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of much pride and joy for him; and WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced his faith in his daily life, he accepted his call to the ministry in 1982 and served as a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for 22 years; he also organized and served as the founding pastor of Mayo Christian Fellowship Church; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in his life; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Pastor Luther D. Edwards Jr.; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Luther D. Edwards Jr. West ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 20, 2017, by a rising vote. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate