Assembly Resolution No. 794

BY: M. of A. Levenberg

CONGRATULATING Irene Smythe-Bullock 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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Irene Smythe-Bullock upon the occasion of her 100th
Birthday on Thursday, January 25, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Irene Wilson, of Peekskill, New York, was born to the late
Edward Wilson and Julia Thomison in Petersburg, Tennessee, on January
25, 1924; she was the eldest, and is now the only living child, of her
parents' union; and

WHEREAS, When she was 21 years old, Irene Wilson married John
Buchanan Smythe, moving to Louisville, Kentucky, to start their new life
together; the couple were blessed with seven children: Waymon, Mary,
Joel (David), Barbara, identical twin boys, Jerry and Terry, and
Windell; and

WHEREAS, When Windell was approximately five years old, the family
of nine moved to Shrub Oak, New York, and subsequently relocated to
Peekskill; after her divorce, Irene Smythe met Paul Bullock whom she
married on July 4, 1965; four years later, her second husband's three
children, Paul, Jr., Evelyn, and Linda, joined the family; and

WHEREAS, As the children grew older and left home to start their own
lives and families, Paul and Irene Bullock continued using their
well-honed skills as parents and embraced foster care in their home;
later, the couple decided to purchase a large parcel of land in nearby
Garrison, New York; this property, lovingly dubbed "The Garrison
Estate," served as the optimum place to host family gatherings for
birthdays, holidays, and other memorable occasions; and

WHEREAS, Paul and Irene Bullock worked hard and attended school to
obtain their commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive semi-trucks,
later becoming owner-operators of their own trucks; this occupation
allowed the couple to travel the country together; and

WHEREAS, In 1980, along with other members of their family, Paul and
Irene Bullock moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where the seasoned foster
parents continued to care for children and work in group homes; the
State of Arizona presented them with an award, recognizing their
contributions and dedication to the enrichment of foster children's
lives; and


WHEREAS, On May 13, 2015, Irene Bullock tragically lost her husband
of almost 50 years; some time after her loss, she returned to Peekskill
where she resides with her daughter, Mary; and

WHEREAS, To this day, Irene Smythe-Bullock is still quite
independent; she enjoys shopping at thrift stores, sewing, taking car
trips, traveling to visit her great-granddaughter and her family in
Virginia and her grandson and his family in Florida, and spending time
with her son, Windell, and her daughter, Linda, who reside in Peekskill;
making cherished memories with her great-great-grandchildren is her
favorite pastime; and

WHEREAS, Known for doing all the good that she can for others, Irene
Smythe-Bullock has been dearly cherished; she will be long-remembered
for the joy and happiness she has striven to share with family, friends,
and all those whom she has met during her long, full life; and

WHEREAS, Irene Smythe-Bullock, with her zest for life, has inspired
and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian 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, Irene Smythe-Bullock has enriched the lives of those around
her through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the
vibrant charm and infinite wisdom which come only from a fullness of
years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
outstanding achievements of this Nation 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 Smythe-Bullock upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Irene Smythe-Bullock.