LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mother Anna Jerry upon the occasion of
being the eldest member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church

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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor Mother Anna
Jerry upon the occasion of being the eldest member of Morning Star
Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Born on August 31, 1909, Anna Childs was raised in Aiken,
South Carolina, and attended Mount Zion Baptist School; and
WHEREAS, Anna then moved to New York City where she met her future
husband, Theodore Jerry; the couple married in 1932, and together they
were blessed with four children; and
WHEREAS, Anna Jerry worked in New York City for 39 years; she joined
Morning Star, devoting 70 years of faithful service to her beloved
church; she sang with its Senior Choir and was accompanied by Benny
Cumming; this duo placed 3rd at New York City's Carnegie Hall; and
WHEREAS, Her secret to longevity is keeping busy at all times; Anna
Jerry volunteers her time and energies working in the gardens of the
South Jamaica Houses as well as the Queens Hospital Health Center; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; in addition,
she reminds all children of the importance of a good education; and
WHEREAS, Anna Jerry 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, 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
honor Mother Anna Jerry upon the occasion of being the eldest member of
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mother Anna Jerry.