LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Velma Miller upon the occasion of her
designation as a Mother of Pearl by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute
on May 2, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those individuals of firm belief and commitment who have
devoted their purposeful lives to the service of faith and community;
Velma Miller is one such individual; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Velma Miller upon the occasion of her designation as a Mother of Pearl
by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute to be celebrated at its 1st
Annual Mothers of Pearl Extravaganza on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Cross-
gates Restaurant and Banquet House, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A pillar in her community, Velma Miller is being recognized
as a strong woman who has shown extraordinary wisdom, courage and
strength in her community; and
WHEREAS, Velma Miller, affectionately known as Velmommie, was raised
and educated in Birmingham, Alabama, with her brother, Albert Lee Cook;
in 1958, she moved to Albany, New York, with her husband, the late
Deacon Joseph Miller, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Velma Miller accepted Christ at an early age and has been a
devoted member of the Union Missionary Baptist Church for the past 50
years; she is a deaconess, past usher, and a member of the church bowl-
ing league; and
WHEREAS, An advocate for tough love, family unity, family values, a
strong work ethic and self pride, Velma Miller is a superb cook and
housekeeper extraordinaire; she is also a wonderful neighbor who is
generous, kind and compassionate and who is always willing to help
anyone in need, especially the underdog; and
WHEREAS, Velma Miller enjoys traveling, shopping, dressing up, music,
dancing, reading, dining out and joyous times; an extremely family-or-
iented woman, her devotion to her loved ones is built on dedication,
loyalty and unconditional love; and
WHEREAS, Today, Deaconess Velma Miller is the proud mother of six
children, and the loving grandmother of 16 grandchildren and 24 great-
grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Velma Miller upon the occasion of her designation as a Mother of
Pearl by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute on May 2, 2009; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mrs. Velma Miller, Albany, New York.