MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harden, Burton

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. ILLENE RICHIE GORDON FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS AN HONOREE AT THE MISSISSIPPI WOMAN '99 CONFERENCE.

WHEREAS, Governor and Mrs. Fordice are hosting the third annual conference to recognize women in the state who are outstanding volunteers in their community, which is entitled MISSISSIPPI WOMAN '99: THE "POWER OF ONE"; and

WHEREAS, Illene Richie Gordon is a tenacious, visionary honoree of this year's conference who has dedicated her influence to the health of seniors; and

WHEREAS, if medical care for the elderly is preserved in this country, Illene Richie Gordon is one who has fought the fight: one of her priorities is making prescription drugs affordable for seniors, she has served as staff assistant to Senator Trent Lott for 17 years, is presently serving on the National Bi-Partisan Medicare Commission for the Future of Medicare and on the State Job Training Coordinating Council; and

WHEREAS, her service to her community is limitless: Illene is talented in music, she plays the piano for many senior groups such as Music with Meals and for various churches; and

WHEREAS, Illene's philosophy of looking out for the less fortunate stems from her childhood during the Great Depression where strong family bonds and values were established. Her advice to women is "to seek God's counsel each day, establish close family ties and teach children to practice the Golden Rule," and she is most proud of being a mother and grandmother and wife of the late Rex Gordon; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding volunteer whose service has meant so much to her community and state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Illene Richie Gordon for being recognized as an honoree at the MISSISSIPPI WOMAN '99 CONFERENCE.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Illene Richie Gordon and Mrs. Pat Fordice at the conference awards banquet on March 1, 1999, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.