LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Reuben Horton upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th Birthday on February 17, 2010

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, Born on February 17, 1910, in Davis Station, South Carolina,
to Robert and Bertha Wells Horton, Reuben Horton was one of seven broth-
ers and sisters; and
WHEREAS, Early in Reuben's life, his parents laid a solid foundation
based upon the principles of family, faith in God and a strong work
ethic, which he has passed on to his loved ones; and
WHEREAS, As a young man, Reuben Horton followed his siblings to New
York City and became a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church shortly after
his arrival in Harlem; there, he enjoyed singing and harmonizing with
his brothers at Church functions, but his greatest passion was, and
still is ushering; and
WHEREAS, He would lead the line of march with a young woman nicknamed
Shorty; in the beginning, Reuben and Shorty would make eye contact over
the pews to syncopate their steps, and maintain the line of march; in a
very "short" time they were in such tune with each other that it only
required a glance across the aisles for their steps to be in perfect
harmony; and
WHEREAS, Before long, their glances turned into the twinkle in each
others' eyes and Reuben Horton and Gladys Walters marched down the aisle
in Holy Matrimony on June 24, 1934; and
WHEREAS, They remained married for 67 years until Gladys' death in
2001; of this blessed union, one son was born, Rudolph Reuben Horton;
and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Reuben Horton served in many capacities in his Church includ-
ing Chairman of the Board of Deacons and the Usher Board, as well as a
Marshal for the United Ushers Benevolent League for more than 30 years;
he is also a past Master of the King Solomon Grand Lodge, Zenith Lodge
No. 18; and
WHEREAS, Reuben Horton still enjoys a good game of checkers and has
the renowned reputation of being an excellent player; he is also an avid
reader of the Bible, and finds great solace in the reading of the Word,
particularly the Books of Psalms and Revelations; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, The Patriarch of the Horton family, Reuben is extremely proud
of his son, Rudolph, and daughter, Cheryl; his four grandchildren, Stev-
en, Terrance, Yvette and Linda; his nine great-grandchildren, Salim,
Sharif, Courtney, Jasmine, Terryn, Karima, Karleena, Aaliyah, and Tiara;
and three great great grand-children, Nishaad, Anaiya and Tristen; as
well as his many grand nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, This beloved man has enriched the lives of those around him
through his 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 Reuben Horton upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on February 17, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reuben Horton.