Honor Lena Edwards’ 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 4044 BY: Senator PARKER CONGRATULATING Lena Eugena Edwards upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday 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, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Lena Eugena Edwards upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday celebrated on February 9, 2018; and WHEREAS, Lena Eugena Edwards was born on February 9, 1918, to Esthrianna and Phyllip Mullings in Jamaica; and WHEREAS, Lena Eugena Edwards and her late husband of 55 years, Michael Edwards, immigrated to the United States in the 1970s; together, the couple raised seven children in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, Throughout her extraordinary life, Lena Eugena Edwards worked as a dressmaker, an Aide for Adventist Home Care Agency, and a child caregiver until her retirement; and WHEREAS, Lena Eugena Edwards has been an active member of several church communities including the Christian Fellowship SDA Church, Hanson Place SDA Church, and Goshen Temple SDA Church where she served as a Deacon and in the Community Services Program; and WHEREAS, Although she is not able to attend church, Lena Eugena Edwards enjoys reading the Bible, the Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, and various religious periodicals; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her seven children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, all of whom have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Lena Eugena Edwards, 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, Lena Eugena Edwards 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 recognize 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 Lena Eugena Edwards upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lena Eugena Edwards.