MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Ford, Holland, Scott (17th)

House Concurrent Resolution 129

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MARTHA FRANCES ALLEN AND EXPRESSING THE LEGISLATURE'S DEEPEST SYMPATHY UPON HER PASSING. 

WHEREAS, Martha Frances Allen died Monday, March 10, 1997, at the Baldwyn Nursing Facility; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Allen was born October 3, 1906, in Cherokee, Alabama, to Sam H. and Ora C. Allen; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Allen received a B.A. degree from Mississippi University for Women and an M.A. degree from Columbia University in New York City; and

WHEREAS, in 1941, Ms. Allen became the assistant to the National Executive Director of Camp Fire Girls, Inc., in New York City, and in 1942 she was made National Executive Director and served in that capacity until 1966; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to serving others, Ms. Allen was active in the development and operation of the National Social Welfare Assembly, served for years on the National Budget Review Committee of United Funds of America, was a leader in the Camp Fire Girls' Horizon Club Conference Afloat in 1966, chaired the Youth Committee of Eisenhower's People-to-People Program, served as a member of Nixon's Youth Fitness Council, was chosen to speak for all United States youth organizations at the British-American Conference on Youth and Leisure, helped organize the North Mississippi Medical Center's Mental Health Complex and functioned as mental health educator, acted as consultant with United Methodist Senior Services of Mississippi, Inc., helped design and develop the Lakeside Cottage Project, was instrumental in the restructuring of the United Methodist Senior Services into a holding company, and served as the Secretary of the Board of Directors to raise funds for the expansion of Cedars Health Center; and

WHEREAS, receiving numerous honors throughout her distinguished life, Ms. Allen was made a Doctor of Humane Letters by Long Island University in 1966, she received the Alumnae Achievement Award from Mississippi University for Women in 1984 and received the Distinguished Service Award from the United Methodist Senior Services of Mississippi in 1987; and

WHEREAS, still vital and active, after retirement, Ms. Allen served in various capacities with the MUW Foundation, the Tupelo Community Development Foundation, Lee United Neighbors, Trace Regional Council on Aging and the North Mississippi Medical Center Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Allen is survived by a niece, Carol E. Allen of Grand Prairie, Texas; two nephews and their wives, Dr. Bill and Bunny Allen of Cave Creek, Arizona, and Sam and Carol B. Allen of Knoxville, Tennessee; a sister-in-law, Annie Laurie Arnold of Baldwyn; and her caregiver and friend, Inez Ambrose of Verona, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend truly great Mississippians who have donated their lives to serving others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and honor the life and accomplishments of Martha Frances Allen and express our deepest sympathy to her family upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Martha Frances Allen and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.