LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Lebertha Palmer upon the occasion
of her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Truly an extraordinary person who has led an exemplary life of
humanitarian service, Lebertha Palmer is defined by simple modesty and a
boundless energy that is amazing and inspiring; and
WHEREAS, Lebertha Palmer was born in the village of Sherwood Content
in the Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica, on March 20, 1909; and
WHEREAS, Raised in a moral, Christian home, Lebertha Palmer's values
continued and developed with her in later life in the town of Falmouth
where she raised four children - Iris, Rex, Daphne and Geddes; and
WHEREAS, Lebertha Palmer's subsequent sojourn to Montego Bay had her
engaged in voluntary church work as a longstanding faithful Sunday
School Teacher with the historic Calvary Baptist Church; this reinforced
her strong sense of history surrounding the abolition of slavery in
which the Jamaican Baptist Church played a significant role leading up
to Emancipation in 1838; and
WHEREAS, Generations of Sunday School students recall Lebertha
Palmer's influence and strong commitment to teach about freedom and the
education of the descendants of slaves, as well as justice and dignity;
direct beneficiaries of her teaching were her two grandchildren whom she
reared and schooled; and
WHEREAS, Such is the legacy Lebertha Palmer has left through a long
life of service to both family and friends as well as to the many young
people she voluntarily adopted and reared to the attainment of purpose-
ful and productive lives of achieving excellence; Lebertha Palmer
continues her activities as care-giver, facilitator and goodwill foster
parent even upon her migration to the United States over 30 years ago;
and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman, who has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the lives of her
many friends and family; and
WHEREAS, This beloved lady 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 Lebertha Palmer upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lebertha Palmer.