House Concurrent Resolution 73

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MRS. GRACE ORTTE ON THE OCCASION OF HER 105TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Grace Ortte of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, celebrated her 105th birthday on December 20, 2003; and

WHEREAS, born December 20, 1898, in New Orleans, Mrs. Ortte has been a resident of Hancock County, Mississippi, for more than 85 years; and

WHEREAS, recalling her many visits to Bay St. Louis as a youngster on the Mary Jane commuter train, Mrs. Ortte is now the oldest resident of Bay St. Louis; and

WHEREAS, a true peoples' person, Mrs. Ortte, who enjoys talking to people and taking frequent rides around the Bay St. Louis area, quietly celebrated her 105th birthday, the highlight of which was a congratulatory letter from Willard Scott; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Ortte married Edward Ortte in 1917, and together they operated three movie theaters in Hancock County and others across the Mississippi coastal region; and

WHEREAS, blessed with one child, Mrs. Ortte has enjoyed the support, love and adoration of her family and friends, including daughter, Marion; three grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and fifteen great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize such outstanding Mississippians as Mrs. Ortte, whose longevity is filled with the treasures of wisdom and history and attributable to a healthy living and a fervent faith and belief in God:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mrs. Grace Ortte on the occasion of her 105th birthday celebration and extend our heartiest wishes for many more years of good health, peace and happiness, and an overflowing abundance of joy and love.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Grace Ortte and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.