LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Reverend Isaiah Southerland upon
the occasion of celebrating his 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Rever-
end Isaiah Southerland upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birth-
day; and
WHEREAS, Isaiah Southerland was born in Moultrie, Florida, on May 3,
1912, to Thomas Monroe Southerland and Valerie Southerland; and
WHEREAS, One of six siblings, Isaiah Southerland and his brothers
attended Cooper Academy, a private Presbyterian boarding school until it
closed around 1920; for the rest of his education, he attended Excelsior
High School which housed all grades one through 12; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 19, Isaiah Southerland moved to Ocean City, New
Jersey, and later to the New Atlantic Hotel in the resort town of Spring
Lake, New Jersey; while there, he was hired first as a sous chef and was
soon promoted to the position of chef; and
WHEREAS, Later, Isaiah Southerland moved to Brooklyn and held many
positions as chef; one such position was at the Stanbrook Dude Ranch in
Kerhonkson, New York, where he prepared three meals a day for the family
style plan; and
WHEREAS, As an adult, Isaiah Southerland was ordained into the gospel
ministry by his brother the Reverend Laus Deo Southerland at St. Mary's
Baptist Church, in Queens, New York, pastored by his other brother,
Reverend Monroe Southerland; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, at the age of 90, Isaiah Southerland retired as a
chef; today, he is still chef at his house, and still has a great memory
for recipes; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man 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 man has enriched the lives of those around him
through his 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 Reverend Isaiah Southerland upon the occasion of his 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Isaiah Southerland.