House Resolution 20

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. MARGARET ROSS UPON BEING NAMED A RECIPIENT OF NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE'S "GIVING BACK AWARD" FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Margaret Ross, 73, of Oakland, Mississippi, was recently designated one of 15 individuals to receive the "Giving Back Award" presented by Newsweek magazine for her exceptional volunteer service; and

WHEREAS, the unofficial social worker of Oakland, Mrs. Ross, one of Mississippi's well-kept secrets has now been touted to the world and listed among those who through bravery or generosity, genius or passion, devote themselves to helping others, including actor, Brad Pitt; and

WHEREAS, like most of Mississippi, a well-kept secret, Mrs. Ross has been equated with blackberries, an old Sunday dress and a president's wife, symbolizing the embodiment of Southern charm, Christian service and the poise of style and grace; and

WHEREAS, just as memorable to her hometowners as the "Story of the Broken Comb," which she carries affectionately, Mrs. Ross readily and selflessly makes herself accessible to those in her community who find themselves in need of a friend, a shoulder to lean upon, a champion of their cause, or in some instances, even a chauffeur; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Ross, a retired librarian by profession, epitomizes the true meaning of Mississippi hospitality as she has perfected the gift of discerning the needs of others and in turn addressing those needs, as evidenced by her continued and lauded service to her fellowman; and

WHEREAS, the extent of her giving includes, raising more than $3,000.00 to assist a Hurricane Katrina refugee's family, who became stranded in Oakland; loading and driving elderly friends and acquaintances to doctors' appointments; aiding in the prison ministry; launching a two-year campaign to get social security benefits for a dear friend suffering from a debilitating heart disease; and aiding and counseling the homeless and victims of crimes; and

WHEREAS, Oakland's goodwill ambassador, Mrs. Ross has turned the bad times experienced by the citizens of her community into good works, and shared the experiences with her family: late husband, Richard Ross, Sr.; and children, Linda Ross Aldy, Janet Ross Caulder, Carol Ross, Richard Ross, Jr., and Martha Smith; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend such an outstanding individual as Mrs. Ross, whose life is a testament of platinum service to her community that has brought national recognition to herself, her family and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Margaret Ross upon being named one of 15 recipients of Newsweek magazine's "Giving Back Award" for volunteer service and extend heartfelt wishes for continued health, love and success in all her future endeavors.

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