Senate Resolution 51

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY OF SALLIE MAE COOLEY OF HEIDELBERG, MISSISSIPPI, WHO PASSED AWAY AT THE REMARKABLE AGE OF 111.

WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Heidelberg, Mississippi, family and friends in celebrating the life of 111-year-old Sallie Mae Cooley, who was a tremendous blessing to her family and community; and

WHEREAS, Sallie Mae was born December 8, 1908, to the late George McDonald and Nanny Cooley McDonald of Heidelberg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, she joined the Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and accepted Christ as her Savior and served as a faithful member throughout her life. Sallie served as a member of the church, a member of the Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, Choir, Usher Board, the Women on Mission, Heron of Jericho, and the Circle Band Ministry; and

WHEREAS, early in life, Sallie was united in holy matrimony to Willie Simmons and to this union of love, they were given the blessing of having seven children. After her beloved husband and soulmate's death, she united in marriage to Curtis Cooley; and

WHEREAS, Sallie never had a negative word to say about anyone; she enjoyed life and loved everyone. She was a mother to all her grandchildren. Every summer, there was much excitement when her grandchildren came to visit. She enjoyed displaying her Mississippi Hospitality to them and cooking for them; and

WHEREAS, God was good to Sallie. She lived on this earth for 111 years. She departed this earthly life on June 12, 2020, at her home in Heidelberg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Sallie was preceded in death by her father, George McDonald; her mother, Nanny McDonald; her husbands, Willie Simmons and Curtis Cooley; son, Ezra Simmons; three daughters: Jessie McCarty, Adra Forthner and Kathlee Simmons; five sisters: Mattie McDonald, Geneva Sanders, Ethel McDonald, Annie Mosey and Polly McDonald; and six brothers: Lee McDonald, Lim McDonald, Cleveland McDonald, Arthur McDonald, Eddie McDonald and Willie McDonald. She leaves to cherish the memories of her life to her three beautiful daughters: Corine McGill, Winnie Perkins and Bernice Jones; two sons-in-law, Tommie McGill and K.P. Forthner; one sister, Verlee Dace; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 25 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Cooley was born when Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States of America and Edmond Noel was Governor of the State of Mississippi. Sallie Mae's life spanned the administration of 20 United States Presidents from Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump; and 28 Mississippi Governors from Edmond Noel to Tate Reeves. This family icon witnessed many historic events during her lifetime, including the Great Depression, World War II, and man's walk on the moon; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen who will be missed:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and extend the condolences of the Mississippi Senate to the surviving family of Sallie Mae Cooley of Heidelberg, Mississippi, who passed away at the remarkable age of 111.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Sallie Mae Cooley and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.