LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rhoda Ann Williams upon the occasion of
celebrating her 107th Birthday

WHEREAS, Truly an extraordinary person who has led an exemplary life of
humanitarian service, Rhoda Ann Williams is defined by simple modesty
and a boundless energy that is amazing and inspiring; and
WHEREAS, Rhoda Ann Williams was born on February 15, 1907, to Robert
and Jane Crann in the Parish of St. James, Jamaica, West Indies; 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, who has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the lives of her
many friends and family; and
WHEREAS, This beloved lady 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, Rhoda Williams migrated to Montego Bay and was employed as a
Nanny; also an entrepreneur, she ran a small business where she prepared
food and confections for sale; and
WHEREAS, As a homemaker, Rhoda Williams gave birth to nine children,
five whom survived to adulthood; she married Thomas Williams and they
fought hard times raising five children who are all successful in their
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Baptized in the Glendevon Seventh Day Adventist Church in
Jamaica, West Indies, Rhoda Williams became a member of the Hanson Place
Church in Brooklyn; she later changed her membership to the Flatbush
Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she has been a member for 37 years;
and
WHEREAS, A vigilant missionary, Rhoda Williams never misses an oppor-
tunity to minister to young children, teenagers and adults; she points
to her counseling wealth through the legacy of her children and grand-
children; vicariously, she has become the following: a vice president at
IBM, a pilot, a nurse, a lawyer, an entrepreneur of several major busi-
nesses, an administrator of many large companies worldwide, a contrac-
tor, a physician's assistant, a chemist, a teacher, a soldier in the
armed forces, a principal and chief radiographer to the island of Jamai-
ca; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her 107 years on earth, Rhoda Williams has
mentored her family and friends to the fullest; and
WHEREAS, Rhoda Williams' longevity is attributed to her positive
philosophy and principles; she has been strongly committed to maintain-
ing the highest level of spirituality and family life; and
WHEREAS, Rhoda Williams enjoys reading the Bible, sewing, cooking and
baking, singing hymns and gardening; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her five children, as well as
her 32 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grand-
children, 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 Rhoda Ann Williams upon the occasion of celebrating her
107th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rhoda Ann Williams.