LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rita E. Strayhorn upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the Women's Ministry of Grace
Baptist Church at its Women's Convocation Weekend, May 14-16, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Rita E. Strayhorn upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Women's Ministry of Grace Baptist Church at its
Women's Convocation Weekend, May 14-16, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1888, Women's Ministry of Grace, beginning the
year of its 100th Anniversary, 1988, annually selects five women to be
placed onto the "Wall of Distinction" which is currently housed in the
Chapel of Grace; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Rita Strayhorn has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and faith
and consequently has been chosen for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, Rita E. Strayhorn, daughter of the late David Saunders Stray-
horn, Sr. and the late Estella White Strayhorn was born and raised in
Pollocksville, North Carolina; she is the ninth child in a family of
five brothers and four sisters; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Jones High School in Trenton, North
Carolina, Rita Strayhorn came to New York to find work; in March of
1968, she began working at New York Telephone Company as a Long Distance
Operator and moved on to many other positions during her career with the
Company; and
WHEREAS, Rita Strayhorn has seen the Company go through many name
changes, NYNEX, Bell Atlantic and Verizon; she retired from Verizon in
March 1995, only to return in October of 1996 as a temporary worker for
seven more years, and was permanently rehired in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Rita Strayhorn is still employed by Verizon working in Bask-
ing Ridge, New Jersey in the Legal Department; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1990s, Rita Strayhorn first attended Service at
Grace Baptist Church; she later joined Grace Baptist Church on her
Christian Experience, and began serving as an Usher with the Senior
Ladies Usher's Ministry, under the leadership of Emma Jackson, Presi-
dent; and
WHEREAS, Rita Strayhorn currently serves as the President of the
Senior Ladies Usher's Ministry, which she describes as a group of
loving, caring, giving and talented Christian ladies; she also belongs
to the United Ushers Benevolent League of NYS, Inc. and Vicinity, the
Westchester Ushers Assembly, the United Ushers Association of New
Rochelle, NY and the United Missionary Baptist Association of New York
City & Vicinity; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her son, Jason, who feels privi-
leged to be a part of her life and rejoices in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Rita Strayhorn has also
been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic
and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Rita
Strayhorn over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rita Strayhorn upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Women's Ministry of Grace Baptist Church at its
Women's Convocation Weekend, May 14-16, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita E. Strayhorn.