House Resolution 36

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. DORA JEAN WHATLEY ON BEING NAMED A STATEWIDE MISSISSIPPI AGELESS HERO.

WHEREAS, Ms. Dora Jean Whatley, resident of Star, Mississippi, upon retiring after 40 years of service as Star's postmaster, decided that she needed to give something back to the community; and

WHEREAS, upon leaving the post office, Ms. Whatley began putting her stamp on a variety of organizations, donating property for the Star Volunteer Fire Department and the Star Water Association; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Whatley currently serves as President of the Star Water Association's Board of Directors in addition to serving as Treasurer of the Wesleyanna Cemetery Board, Sunday School teacher, substitute pianist, Bible School volunteer and member of the choir, Council of Ministries and Administrative Board at Wesleyanna United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, now 74 years old, Ms. Whatley was chosen from a pool of more than 200 nominees submitted to the Ageless Heroes program sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield, which honors those persons age 65 and over who have made significant contributions to the State of Mississippi and their communities; and

WHEREAS, in addition to honoring those persons named Ageless Heroes, Blue Cross & Blue Shield also donates $1,000.00 to each hero's favorite charity; and

WHEREAS, named as Rankin County School District's Parent of the Year, Ms. Whatley continues to serve as a mentor to McLaurin Elementary students and has just recently helped fund new playground equipment; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Whatley, who finds the time to sing with the Mississippi Chorus and never missing a performance since becoming a member, personally believes that each day can be faced as a challenge and something can be done for your fellow man by maintaining a positive attitude and viewing age only as a matter of numbers; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and pay special tribute to remarkable citizens such as Ms. Dora Jean Whatley, whose outstanding, dedicated public service is an inspiration to all Mississippians, young and old alike:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Ms. Dora Jean Whatley on being named a Statewide Mississippi Ageless Hero and extend to her our heartiest wishes for many more years of good health, peace and happiness and success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Dora Jean Whatley and members of the Capitol Press Corps.