MS SC700

Commends former State Senator and Representative Orene Ellis Farese of Ashland, Mississippi, who passed away on April 10, 2010, for her pioneering legislative service and public contributions.

Recognizes that Orene and her husband John were elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1952, becoming the first husband-wife couple in the United States elected to a state legislature, with Orene later elected to the State Senate in 1956.

Highlights her legislative achievements including introducing legislation to allow women to serve on juries, advocating for educational reforms and equal rights, and speaking against a bill that would have removed tax-exempt status from the Methodist Church for allowing Black citizens to worship.

Details her extensive community service including organizing Ashland's first PTA, sponsoring youth programs, organizing the first arts festival in Benton County, and active involvement in civic and church activities.

Extends the Legislature's sympathy to her family and directs that this resolution be presented to her surviving family and made available to the press.