MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing, Johnson (38th)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. RUBY WEST OF NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI, THE BLUFF CITY POST "WOMAN OF THE YEAR."

WHEREAS Mrs. Ruby West of Natchez, Mississippi, has been named "Woman of the Year" by the Bluff City Post; and

WHEREAS, when Ruby West came to Natchez, she became ingrained into the Adams County Community, joined the historic Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist Church in the state; and

WHEREAS, she met and married the late "TEDDY" Theodore West and to this union two children were born, Gladys and Theodore, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, for more than 33 years she taught mathematics in the Natchez-Adams Public School System. During those 33 years, she taught at the following schools: Sadie V. Thompson, Anchorage, Morgantown, Montebello, North Natchez (formerly Anchorage Junior High, and Natchez High School; and

WHEREAS, after retirement she worked with students at Alcorn State University in ACT preparation through a Mathematical Testing Improvement Program and taught at Ferriday High School for one year; and

WHEREAS, while teaching, she did everything she could to motivate students, telling them that education was the only way out for them and she implored them, if they didn't want to go to college then get a trade in order to become a meaningful contributing citizen in their community; and

WHEREAS, after retirement from the public school system, she did not retire from helping students. She tutored students in her home. She also continues to be a positive role model through Christian leadership, mentoring and counseling with young people in the Broadmoor Community where she lives; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. West also works with the Catherine Williams HVI Homemakers Club, is an active member of the Southwest Retired Teachers Association and the Southwest Coalition of 100 Black Women. For several years she has been the spearheader for Outreach Program and the Food Pac Coop, and serves as financial secretary; and

WHEREAS, she is a strong supporter of area Black businesses and does all she can to steer money toward those Blacks that are in business in Natchez-Adams County; and

WHEREAS, she is a tireless worker for the young people at her church, and in her community for those that are less fortunate and it is with great pride that we recognize the civic devotion of Mrs. Ruby West who brings honor to her community and to her state: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Ruby West of Natchez, Mississippi, upon being selected the Bluff City Post "Woman of the Year" and wish her and her family continued success in their future civic and charitable endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Ruby West and her family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.