Senate Resolution 26

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CIVIC AND CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ERNESTINE JACKSON ROGERS OF KEMPER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HER 75TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, Ernestine Jackson Rogers was born on November 13, 1972 in Preston, Kemper County, Mississippi. She was the second child to the union of the late Anderson Jackson and Claudia McClain Johnson Jackson. She received her early education in the Preston Community and frequently recollects her favorite teacher being, Mrs. Lolita Jackson. Her church membership was at the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Her high school years were spent in Louisville, Mississippi, at the Winston County Training Academy. A few of her fellow students, family and friends during that time will be present this weekend for her 75th birthday celebration. Ernestine attended Rust Methodist College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and received at that time an interim teaching certificate. She taught in the Preston Community one year before marrying the late Daniel Abraham Rogers in November 1949. The newlyweds moved to the City of Chicago, Illinois, and resided with her sister and brother-in-law, who are now the late Texana and Roosevelt Tucker in the Englewood Community; and

WHEREAS, in the early 50's, they united in Christian Fellowship with the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Owen D. Pelt. She was an active member of that congregation, serving on the Senior Usher Board, Mission Department, a VBS teacher and co-founder of the church's nursery department. She chaired and sponsored a great many events at the church during her 39-year membership at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, her employment throughout those same years was with the Hollywood Shop in the famed Merchandise Mart; the Chicago Board of Education, Security with Zayre Stores; as a day care Mother in her home and 21 years with the United States Postal Service; and

WHEREAS, in mid 1988, Ernestine came home to the Preston Community of Oak Grove, building her home and fulfilling her commitment to her father's wishes that his children

return to the place of their birth; and

WHEREAS, she was the coordinator and co-chairperson of the 1st Oak Grove Community Homecoming Celebration in 1990 with the late Shellie V. Jackson. She has worshipped at this church since her return and is an active member of the Church School, Missionary Department, Senior Choir, Mothers' Board and Trustee of this Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, she is still active in the church, maintaining her home, cattle and assisting in raising her grandsons. Although she is the mother of one child, she has positively impacted the lives of many nieces and nephews, godchildren, and other children in the community; and

WHEREAS, throughout her life the motto most exemplified has been "We've come a long way baby, but we've got a long way to go!"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of this Mississippian who serves as a model citizen in her community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the civic, church and career accomplishments of Ernestine Jackson Rogers of Kemper County, Mississippi, on the occasion of her 75th birthday and extend to her the best wishes of the Senate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Ernestine Rogers and her family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.