Unofficial Copy As of 12/04/1803 Reg. Sess. 03 Rs Br 1912

UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 12/04/1803 REG. SESS.03 RS BR 1912

A RESOLUTION adjourning the House of Representatives in loving memory and honor of John T. Wigginton.

With deepest respect and admiration, we pay homage and tribute to John T. Wigginton, and we pause in silent reverence for his soul.

WHEREAS, John T. Wigginton was born on May 16, 1944, and he traversed these earthly bounds on May 17, 2002; he was the loving son of the late Samuel Thomas and Ellen Offutt Wigginton, and he also was preceded in passing by a loving brother, Samuel O. Wigginton; he was the devoted husband of 37 years to Tassa Jones Wigginton with whom he entered into holy matrimony on December 19, 1964; he was the adored father of a son, Jacques, and a daughter, Nieta; he was the proud grandfather of Lauren Smith and Johann Thomas Wigginton; he was the loving brother of two sisters, Eleanor Beatty and Barnetta Emerson, and a loving surrogate sister and cousin, Priscilla; he was the loving nephew of Joanna Offutt Childress, an aunt who cherished him like a son; he was the loving uncle of nieces Tanya Beatty-Adams, Lynette Laine, Lynise Jackson, Angela Henderson, Robyn and Rashauna Emerson, Michelle Smothers, LeAhna Talbert, and Janelle Prather; and he was the loving uncle of nephews Tony Beatty, James Smothers Jr., Shawn, Ray and Justin Prather, and Michael and Malachi Hardy; and he also leaves behind Wilma Jones, Eleanor Smothers, Linda Talbert, Lenon Hardy, Samuel and James Prather, Markus Hardy, and many great nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren and friends; and

WHEREAS, John T. Wigginton graduated from Dunbar High School in 1962, and he held a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Kentucky State University and a Master's Degree in social work from the University of Kentucky, after which time he was employed as a social worker for the Lexington-Fayette County Public Schools, where he was responsible for the needs of youth in five junior high schools, and, during this period, he also served the community by representing the Second District of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, where he served the maximum four elected terms; Governor Wallace G. Wilkinson appointed him Secretary of Corrections for Kentucky, where he oversaw the prison and parole programs throughout the state; and upon completion of this assignment, he redirected his attention to the needs of his hometown, by returning to Lexington's Urban County Government to serve as the Citizen's Advocate, and, in this ombudsman position, he had the opportunity to do what he enjoyed most in serving as a voice and seeker of solutions for the silenced and disenfranchised; and taking an advocate role in empowering others was a responsibility he emphasized to graduate students while serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Kentucky's School of Social Professions; and

WHEREAS, John T. Wigginton was an esteemed member of the Fayette County community where he was a devout member, trustee, and deacon at Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church where he made his confession of faith at age seven, and where continued to serve the body of Christ in other ways, including being a member of the Loyal Workers Missionary Society and 40 Year Christians, and he was a former member of the Chancellor Choir; and his funeral service and celebration of his life was held at Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, May 25, 2002; and

WHEREAS, John T. Wigginton will be remembered as a voice for all citizens; his legacy of leadership accomplishments and his spearheading of meaningful projects for the betterment of society has contributed a great deal to the enhancement of the quality of life in the Lexington and Fayette County community, where he fought for adequate public housing, crime prevention, services for pregnant teenagers, and increased job opportunities for working-class residents, and he also led the battle against Sunday liquor sales; and

WHEREAS, John T. Wigginton was a passionate civil rights activist, and he demonstrated extraordinary vision and leadership; he exemplified dedication, and high standards, while bringing light and inspiration to so many lives; and the passion, dedication, intelligence, and social consciousness that John T. Wigginton brought to this Commonwealth will never be forgotten, and his influence will continue; and

WHEREAS, John T. Wigginton held memberships in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Industrial Revenue Bond Review Committee, Kentucky Crime Commission, Kentucky Local Correctional Facilities Construction Authority, Kentucky Literacy Commission, Sanitary Sewer User Fee Advisory Board Committee, United States Ombudsman Association, the Informal Club at Transylvania University, and he was a member of the Kiwanis Club; and

WHEREAS, John T. Wigginton was the recipient of numerous awards, and to mention only a few, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council - Service Award, NAACP - Lexington Branch - Black Achiever Award, Lexington YMCA; and Black Achievers - Alpha Delta Mu Social Work Honorary, Alpha Gamma Chapter; and

WHEREAS, when this honorable body reflects upon the memory of John T. Wigginton, it is with fond recollection that we remember him not only for his many accomplishments and the friendships he made and sustained through the years, but also his compassion for and understanding of the common man which he demonstrated daily throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, the passing of John T. Wigginton has left a void that cannot be filled, and he is mourned across the length and breadth of the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

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BR191200.100-1912

UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 12/04/1803 REG. SESS.03 RS BR 1912

Section 1. The House of Representatives does hereby express its profound sense of sorrow upon the passing of John T. Wigginton, and extends to his family and many friends its most heartfelt sympathy.

Section 2. When the House of Representatives adjourns this day, it does so in loving memory and honor of John T. Wigginton.

Section 3. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo for presentation to the family of John T. Wigginton.

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BR191200.100-1912