LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Irene E. Garrett upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

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, Irene E. Garrett will be recognized on Sunday, March 18,
2012, at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Irene "Renee" Richardson was the fifth of seven children born
to Charles Hipolyte Richardson and Adriana Luisa Gumbs Richardson; she
was born on August 21, 1911, in Brooklyn, New York, and in October of
that same year, she was baptized at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, Renee Richardson attended PS 64 and Manual Training High
School where she excelled in Latin studies; after high school, she
attended Fordham University; and
WHEREAS, In 1935, Renee Richardson married Sterling W.G. Hampton; they
had three daughters, and later in life after her daughters were married,
Renee married Edwin C. Garrett; and
WHEREAS, Renee Garrett was employed by the federal government first as
a dental clerk and then as an accounting technician and unit supervisor;
she retired in 1972; and
WHEREAS, Renee Garrett was active at St. Barnabas and organized and
led young women in their teen years as members of the Harmony Girl
Reserves; she valued education and had a repertoire of piano pieces she
played and was also an excellent hostess; and
WHEREAS, Most of all, Renee Garrett was always considered a loving
mother and caring friend; she was a Sunday School teacher at St.
Philip's Episcopal Church and a member of the August Birthday Club along
with the Union of Black Episcopalians; 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 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
congratulate Irene E. Garrett upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Irene E. Garrett.