Senate Resolution No. 138

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CONGRATULATING Mother Marie Smalls upon the
occasion of celebrating her 105th Birthday on
January 16, 2021

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by residents of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles that they play in today's society;
their past contributions and future participation are vital parts of,
and valuable assets to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Mother Marie Smalls upon the occasion of celebrating her 105th Birthday;
and

WHEREAS, Mother Marie Smalls was born on January 16, 1916; in 1938,
she moved from South Carolina to White Plains, New York, where she has
lived for 82 years; and

WHEREAS, Mother Marie Smalls has been an active member of Calvary
Baptist Church for 75 years and is the church's oldest living member;
there, she serves as a member of the Gospel Chorus and, before the
COVID-19 pandemic, she attended Sunday Morning Worship Service every
week without fail; and

WHEREAS, An inspiring influence on her family and church, Mother
Marie Smalls has been a member of Calvary Baptist Church throughout the
tenure of all six of its pastors and has been one of the primary
financial supporters of both Calvary Baptist and her home church in
South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, With her husband, Joseph Smalls, Mother Marie Smalls raised
five children, all of whom attended schools in the White Plains school
system and graduated from White Plains High School; while her children
were students, she served on the PTA Committees of the schools they
attended; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Mother Marie Smalls volunteered as a Den
Mother for the Cub Scouts and "Troop Mother" of the Boy Scouts of
America; she was also an Assistant Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts of
America; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Mother Marie Smalls was an active member of
both the Urban League and the NAACP in White Plains; and

WHEREAS, With her zest for life, this exceptional
semi-supercentenarian has inspired and enhanced the lives of her family
and friends; she has truly 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
recognize 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 Mother Marie Smalls upon the occasion of celebrating her
105th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mother Marie Smalls.