LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Earnestine Yvonne Berry upon the
occasion of celebrating her 101st Birthday on February 28, 2016

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Earnestine Yvonne was born in Beloit, Alabama, on February
28, 1915, the 13th out of 15 children, to Phillip and Lucille Crenshaw;
and
WHEREAS, She attended school for her early education in Beloit; when
she was of age, she left Alabama and went to Los Angeles, California,
where she lived for 11 years; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1953, Earnestine Yvonne left California and
migrated to New York; since then, she has made this great Empire State
her home; it was here she found Carter AME Community Church located in
Jamaica, New York; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, while attending church, she met the love of her
life, Eugene Berry, and the couple married on February 19, 1954; married
for 23 years, they were the proud parents of one son, the late George
Kevin Berry; and
WHEREAS, Later, the Berry's joined the Tabernacle CME Church located
in St. Albans, New York, which, in 1960, came under the luminous direc-
tion of The Reverend Eugene Berry; today, Earnestine Yvonne continues to
sing with the Senior Choir, and has served as President of the Stewar-
dress Board; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she worked for the Board of Education for 35
years, and has been an active member of her community; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, who still resides in a lovely
home and does not use a cane, has inspired and enhanced the lives of her
family and friends with her refreshing zest for life; and
WHEREAS, Earnestine Yvonne Berry, who loves movies and enjoys shopping
and cooking, has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows character-
istic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a
full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Earnestine Yvonne Berry upon the occasion of celebrating
her 101st Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Earnestine Yvonne Berry.