Mississippi SR143: Mourn the passing of Huey P. Williams, beloved lead singer of Gospel Quartet The Jackson Southernaires.

What the bill says

A resolution mourning the passing of huey p. willams, beloved lead singer of the iconic gospel group the jackson southernaires and acknowledging his mississippi musical and cultural legacy.

From the engrossed text:

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE PASSING OF HUEY P. WILLAMS, BELOVED LEAD SINGER OF THE ICONIC GOSPEL GROUP THE JACKSON SOUTHERNAIRES AND ACKNOWLEDGING HIS MISSISSIPPI MUSICAL AND CULTURAL LEGACY. WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Huey P. Williams, the longtime frontman of The Jackson Southernaires and a cornerstone of American gospel music, who died peacefully at his home in Smithdale, Mississippi, on March 24, 2025; and WHEREAS, a trailblazer in traditional gospel, Huey Williams' unmistakable voice and soulful storytelling made him one of the most beloved vocalists in the genre. His passing marks the end of an era for quartet gospel, a style he helped define and preserve for over five decades; and WHEREAS, Williams was born into a family of gospel royalty. He was the elder brother of Frank Williams, who later founded the Mississippi Mass Choir, and of Melvin, Doug and Leonard Williams, members of the Grammy-nominated Williams Brothers. Together, the Williams family helped shape the sound of modern gospel; and WHEREAS, "My big brother Huey, in my eyes, was in a league of his own," said Doug. "He possessed a signature voice that was unmistakably his own. His music ministry touched so many lived in such a positive way over the years. He had a big personality, but such a humble spirit. Huey …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• John Horhn (D) · primary sponsor
• Brumfield, Gary (D, 38)
• Blackmon, Lawrence (D, 57)
• Frazier, Hillman Terome (D, 27)
• McCaughn, Tyler (R, 31)
• Norwood, Sollie B. (D, 28)
• Derrick Simmons (D, 12)
• Thomas, Joseph (D, 22)

Latest actions

1. April 1, 2025: Adopted
2. March 31, 2025: Title Suff Do Be Adopted
3. March 29, 2025: Referred To Rules

Votes

• Conference Report Adopted (April 1, 2025): 100 yea, 1 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SR143?

SR143 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2025 Regular Session): Mourn the passing of Huey P. Williams, beloved lead singer of Gospel Quartet The Jackson Southernaires.

What does SR143 do?

In its own words: A resolution mourning the passing of huey p. willams, beloved lead singer of the iconic gospel group the jackson southernaires and acknowledging his mississippi musical and cultural legacy.

What is the status of SR143?

Passed both chambers as of April 1, 2025. Latest action: Adopted (April 1, 2025).

Who sponsored SR143?

John Horhn (D), with 7 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SR143?

On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SR/SR0143.xml