Senate Concurrent Resolution 506

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING MRS. LEOLA DILLARD OF YAZOO CITY, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HER 100TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, one hundred years ago began an amazing journey of a hard-working hero. Mrs. Leola Dillard, a lifetime resident of Yazoo County, will be 100 years old on February 6, 2012. Mrs. Dillard has been distinguished as an educator, community leader and parent, who has given of herself so that the quality of life for others could be improved; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Leola Dillard is the wife of the late Swayze Dillard, and the mother of nine children, spanning five generations. She is a Mother at the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in Bentonia, Mississippi, where she has been a member since early adulthood, and now is the eldest member of her church. Mrs. Leola Dillard taught in the Yazoo County Schools for 27 years, making a positive impact on the lives of many. When she comes in contact with former students, she is praised and commended for being a blessing in their lives; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Dillard's other distinctions:

· A charter member and first President of Yazoo City Community Civic Club, an organization engaging in activities and scholarship for at-risk children and providing community services to help humankind;

· Was recognized in 1987 by the Yazoo County Action, Inc., for her years of invaluable service as a board member and performing her duties in a capable and efficient manner;

· Served in the 1960s as the first African-American employee at the Mississippi State Employment Service in Yazoo City;

· Being a true advocate of young people, she was instrumental in the early 1960s in establishing a community playground, summer work and recreation program for children in the Brickyard Hill neighborhood and served as coordinator for many years. In May 2003 the Yazoo City Mayor and Board of Aldermen named and dedicated the park in her honor. Today that park is known as The Leola Dillard Community Park;

· For the last 15 years she has served as coordinator of the USA Weekend Magazine sponsored "Make A Difference Day" in Yazoo County. Through the Nation's largest day of volunteering, Mrs. Dillard has inspired her students to create projects to make a difference in the lives of others;

· Is one of nine finalists up for the 2011 All-Star Award, set aside for the former "Make A Difference Day" winner;

· Was named in December 2008 Yazoo City Citizen of the Year by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc-Xi Kappa Kappa Chapter;

· Was recognized in 2009 by Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as Volunteer of the Year;

· Was awarded in 2009 the Transformation Award for Engaging in Ministry with the Poor by the Mississippi United Methodist Church at their annual conference in Jackson, Mississippi;

· Yazoo Hometowners honored Mrs. Dillard in 2009 for her dedication to community improvement in Yazoo City;

· The Liberty Missionary Baptist Church honored Mrs. Dillard in February 2009 for her contribution to the church and the entire Yazoo County Community;

· In April 2009, the city officials of Yazoo City, Mississippi, presented her a Proclamation commending her for the services rendered to the community and still going strong and accomplishing much at the age of 97;

· In May 2009, members of Congress presented Mrs. Leola Dillard a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community, signed by Congressman Bennie Thompson;

· In May 2009, a reception was held in her honor for Volunteerism by Zeta Psi Zeta Chapter (Clarksdale) of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., was also presented a Key to the City of Clarksdale by Mayor Henry Espy for her outstanding community service and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps;

· Was presented in 2009 the Woman of Excellence Service Award by the Lifesavers Programs for Youth in Yazoo County;

· Was awarded in November 2009 the Humanitarian and Hero Award by the Yazoo City Chamber of Commerce;

· Was awarded in October 2009 the Emory Hodgson Community Service Award by the Yazoo County Convention and Visitors Bureau;

· In 2009, participated in a documentary, Over 90 and Loving It, produced by Iron Zeal, and filmed and aired nationally on Public Broadcasting Television;

· Was awarded in December 2009 the State of Mississippi Citizen of the Year by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.;

· Was presented in August 2010 the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Governor Initiative for Volunteer Service (GIVE AWARD) in Jackson, Mississippi;

· Was presented on December 31, 2011, the Lifetime Achievement Service Award by the Yazoo City Lady Achievers Organization - an honors program was held highlighting her accomplishments across the years; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Dillard contributes her longevity to her faith in God and the fact that she remained active even after retirement. During her lifetime everyone who has had the honor of meeting her has been blessed by being in her presence and gaining the wisdom and knowledge that she offers. Mrs. Dillard was born when William Howard Taft was President of the United States of America and Edmond Noel was Governor of the State of Mississippi. Mrs. Dillard's life spanned the administration of 18 United States Presidents from Taft to Barack Obama; 36 United States Attorney Generals; and 24 Mississippi Governors from Edmond Noel to Phil Bryant. This family icon witnessed many historic events during her lifetime, including the invention of the automobile by Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers' first airplane flight and man's walk on the moon. We join her descendants and are indeed blessed to share life with her:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and salute Mrs. Leola Dillard of Yazoo City, Mississippi, on the occasion of her 100th birthday, and extend our best wishes on this auspicious event.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mrs. Dillard and her family, forwarded to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Yazoo City and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.