Senate Resolution 8

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AND CHARITABLE COMMITMENT OF MRS. LILLIAN DORIS (WADLINGTON) CAREY ON THE OCCASION OF HER 100TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Lillian Doris (Wadlington) Carey of Lexington, Mississippi, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 24, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Carey was born on April 24, 1903, in the Gages Springs Community (which is located 9 miles southeast of Lexington) in Holmes County, Mississippi. She is the youngest of 11 children born to the union of Arthur and Anna Wadlington. Both of Mrs. Carey's parents and all of her grandparents were slaves; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Carey, affectionately known as "Dee," married Rev. Sam G. Carey, Sr. of Lexington, Mississippi, on August 23, 1927. To this union, the following five children were born: Sam Jr., Doris Eileen, Roland, Howard and Gladys. Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Carey have 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Rev. Carey, a faithful husband of 56 years, died in 1983 at the age of 85. Besides obedience to God, nothing is more important to Mrs. Carey than family, friends and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, she affiliated with Gages Springs Missionary Baptist Church. After moving to Lexington, she joined Asia Baptist Church, where she continues to hold membership; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Carey received her high school diploma and teaching certificate from Jackson College in 1926. In 1956, she earned a B.S. degree from Jackson State College. She did post-graduate study at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University) and at Indiana University; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Carey's professional career is as follows: Hickory Springs Community School, 1926-1928; Lexington Elementary School, four years during the 1930's; Ambrose Elementary/High School, 1943-1959; and Lexington Attendance Center, 1959-1970. Her total years spent as a public school teacher, before her retirement on July 1, 1970, is 33 years; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Carey holds membership in the following organizations: Holmes County Retired Teachers Association; Mississippi Retired Teachers Association; Mississippi Teachers Association; National Education Association; Jackson State University Alumni Association; National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; President, R.C. Lee Federated Club of Lexington; Assistant Secretary, State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc.; Secretary, Standard Fraternal Aid Society; and (succeeded her husband as committee-of-one) Pinkston Cemetery general upkeep; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize this landmark event in the life of a Mississippian whose dedication to public education, ministry of giving, political participation and local community involvement stand as a model to the citizens in her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the educational service and charitable commitment of Mrs. Lillian Doris (Wadlington) Carey on the occasion of her 100th birthday on April 24, 2003, and extend to her the best wishes of the Senate for her future health and happiness.

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