LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ida Mae Byrd 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, On Saturday, March 17, 2012, a 100th Birthday celebration
will be held in honor of Ida Mae Byrd in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ida Mae Smith was born to Maebelle and Jack Smith in
Waycross, Georgia on March 13, 1912; she is the third of six children,
and at the age of sixteen, she was looking for more life opportunities
and moved to Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Upon her arrival to New York, Ida Mae Smith worked diligently
to bring her immediate family to be with her; at the age of 19, she
married Wiley Byrd and from that union they had five children; and
WHEREAS, At five feet tall, Ida Mae Byrd raised her five children as a
strict, but loving disciplinarian; however, she softened up when her
grandchildren were born along with her great-grandchildren and great-
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, In her younger years, Ida Mae Byrd loved to dance and one of
her favorite places to dance was the Savoy Manor in the Bronx; she
enjoyed her family, but she also enjoyed her beloved New York Mets, who
rewarded her loyalty with two World Series Championships; and
WHEREAS, Ida Mae Byrd was also an active member of Pilgrim Baptist
Church; she has lived through two World Wars, the Jim Crow South, the
Civil Rights movement, and the inventions of the television and comput-
er; in addition, she has lived to see the ending of apartheid in South
Africa along with the election of the first African-American President
of the United States; 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, With her throughout have been her children Charles, Helen,
Bobby, Maeola, and Brenda; her grandchildren Steven, Kevin, Darlene,
Petri, Darryl, Mario, Donna, Sukele, Bobby, Courtney, the late Takiyah,
Tarvasha, and the late Sean; her great-grandchildren Shanequa, Jason,
Sarita, Dante, Desean, Valene, D'Artagnan, D'Aramis, Darcy, Tandeka,
Jovan, Jabari, Jelani, Dominique, Devon, Denali, Suki, Kani, Shanija,
Niajah, Christian, and Mai; as well as her great-great grandchildren
Jaylen, Damian, Cylicia, Jada, Tattyana, Teyana, Telor-Ayanah, Faith,
Jabari, Jr., Janaya, and Kai, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of her life and rejoice in her achievements; 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 Ida Mae Byrd upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ida Mae Byrd.