House Resolution 1

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. MARGUERITE OWEN KALIF ON THE OCCASION OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY AND HONORING HER HERITAGE.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Marguerite Owen Kalif, of Lebanese extract, whose lineage dates back to ElMurr Clan in 1139 A.D., will celebrate her 90th year of life this year; and

WHEREAS, having fled Lebanon under Turkish occupation, Marguerite's parents, Adgia ElMurr and Chukri Aoun (Owen), came to America in pursuit of a better living for their family, establishing homestead in Gulfport, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, eking out a living through hard work, Chukri began peddling from Gulfport, first by foot, then by trolley, then by horse and buggy, until he eventually opened his own grocery and mercantile store and gradually began to acquire property; and

WHEREAS, after Marguerite married William Joseph Kalif of McComb, the couple operated Kalif's Food Market in Pass Christian and became a pinnacle of service to their community; and

WHEREAS, through the years, Mr. and Mrs. Kalif financed houses in the African-American community, extended credit and loans to citizens in need, who could not afford adequate food, clothing and shelter and became charter members in the purchase of the War Memorial Park; and

WHEREAS, having invested in the insurance business, continuing to accumulate property along the way, the Kalif's ultimately ventured into, and still remain today in the profession of realty; and

WHEREAS, Marguerite's life and devoted love with William produced four offspring, all daughters, Mary Ruby Kalif Sellier, Barbara Adgia Kalif Bryant (deceased), Margaret Jean Kalif and Jo Ellen Kalif Ballanco; and

WHEREAS, this year of 2005 marks Mrs. Kalif's 90th anniversary of life, which is rich in history, heritage and humanity and is blessed beyond measure as she is loved by her three surviving daughters, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend such an honorable and deserving individual as Mrs. Kalif, whose life of giving has in turn blessed her with a life of longevity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Marguerite Owen Kalif on the occasion of her 90th birthday, honor her heritage and express warmest wishes for continued health, love, joy and happiness.

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