House Resolution 184

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. MARY ELIZABETH LEE DOWDELL UPON THE OCCASION OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, on April 15, 1933, the world was blessed with the birth of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Lee Dowdell, and decades later, upon the auspicious occasion of her 90th birthday, she continues to shower those around her with unconditional love and support; and

WHEREAS, born to the late Leroy Lee and Lady Lee Price in Como, Mississippi, Mrs. Dowdell attended boarding school at Baptist Industrial High School in Hernando, Mississippi, before she attended Alcorn A&M in Lorman, Mississippi, where she earned her bachelor of science degree in home economics in 1956; and

WHEREAS, while in college, Mary met the love of her life, Mr. Elmer Dowdell, Jr., in 1954, and the two lovebirds exchanged the vows of holy matrimony on July 8, 1956; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Dowdell returned to school and received her master of education degree in 1970 from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, and she furthered her studies and received her AAA certification in education at Auburn University; and

WHEREAS, as a passionate and dedicated advocate for education, Mrs. Dowdell was a principal and elementary school teacher before retiring in 1998, with over 41 years dedicated to the education profession in Coosa County, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Dowdell is a lifetime member and involved in the Chapter 303 Cottage Grove Eastern Stars, and she is also a member of the Alabama Education Association (AEA), the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 339; and

WHEREAS, as a dedicated and committed educator, Mrs. Dowdell believes that education changes lives, and she empowered generations of students to set goals and work diligently to achieve their goals, including those within her community and her own family; and

WHEREAS, specifically, while Mrs. Dowdell's niece, Representative Lataisha Jackson, was attending Alabama State University, Mrs. Dowdell made sure that Representative Jackson focused on her scholastic achievement while balancing collegiate life and the emotions of the death of her father; and

WHEREAS, education is so important to Mrs. Dowdell that she even paid her driver, Willie, to pick up Representative Jackson from Alabama State on weekends to ensure her support and Representative Jackson's wellbeing were taken care of, and this is just one of many examples of Mrs. Dowdell's nurturing, yet firm mannerisms; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Lee Dowdell, who is sometimes called Aunt Doll or Doll, currently resides in Winter Springs, Florida, with her daughter, DeLaine Dowdell, and she continues to receive an outpouring of love from her daughter, DeLois, the children and grandchildren of her late son, Dewayne Dowdell, her daughter, DeLaine and DeLaine's children and grandchildren, and other family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Dowdell has always cared deeply for the needs of those around her and truly became a community treasure, earning the love and respect of every person who has had the opportunity to meet her and experience her greatness, and she has undoubtedly inspired her family and friends, greeting everyone she meets with a million-watt smile that could illuminate even the darkest day, and her children and grandchildren love her tremendously and revere her as the wonderful mother and grandmother she truly is; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of Mississippi's wisest generation, especially those such as Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Lee Dowdell on the occasion of her 90th birthday, for being a gracious woman who always puts others before herself and loves her family and friends unconditionally, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Lee Dowdell upon the occasion of her 90th birthday and extend sincere wishes for her happiness on such a momentous occurrence.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Lee Dowdell and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.