Senate Resolution 36

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. CLARA B. JOHNSON OF YAZOO CITY, MISSISSIPPI, THE 107-YEAR-OLD RECIPIENT OF THE BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD OF MISSISSIPPI AGELESS HERO COMMUNITY LEGACY AWARD.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Clara B. Johnson of Yazoo City, Mississippi, was one of 24 senior adults honored for sharing a rich legacy with their communities by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi as ageless heroes; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Johnson turned 107 years old on April 10, 2004, and in receiving the "Good Neighbor" statewide award she was the oldest award winner this year; and

WHEREAS, Clara B. Johnson, called the "Queen of Love" by members of the community, has visited the local Head Start Program to read and tell stories to the children, given speeches to teens participating in the high school's character-building/abstinence program, and ministered to inmates and staff at the local federal prison. She says she keeps busy "working in my garden, cooking, keeping in touch with friends and talking to people of all ages"; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Johnson was born April 10, 1897 to George and Mattie Washington in Yazoo County, Mississippi. She is the oldest of 15 children. Her only surviving sibling is her sister, Edna House, who resides in California; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Johnson and her late husband, Fred, had 8 children - 5 girls and 3 boys, there are 22 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, "People ask me all the time how they can live as long as I have," Mrs. Johnson said. "I always tell them, work hard and enjoy life. It's God's blessing that I am still able to be here"; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Johnson was born before the New Capitol Building was constructed in 1900-1903, and through the blessing of God, she has lived during three centuries and is a priceless living history, and it is with great pride that we acknowledge the charitable and civic service of this Mississippian on this auspicious event:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Clara Johnson of Yazoo City, Mississippi, the 107-year-old recipient of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Ageless Hero Community Legacy Award in the category of "Good Neighbor" and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mrs. Johnson and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.