HR0540 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0540 LRB097 13751 GRL 58304 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Lula Survel Mitchom on the occasion of her 100th birthday on October 14, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom was born on October 14, 1911, in Darling, Mississippi; her parents were Willie Andrew Lee and Sarah (Wright) Lee; she was raised by her father and grandmother, Fannie Lee, in Darling; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom and her family moved to Sikeston, Missouri in the late 1920's; while living in Sikeston, she met George Albert Mitchom, Sr.; she married George at age 17 on February 24, 1929; they remained married for 67 years until his death in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom and her husband moved to a number of cities because of George's work in highway construction; the couple lived in Mt. Vernon, Rolla, Missouri, Dixie Springs, and St. Louis, Missouri, before finally settling in Bridgeton, Missouri; over the course of 20 years, they had 13 children; George and his sons eventually built a home in Centreville, and the family moved into the home in August of 1950; they have remained in the State of Illinois ever since; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom was employed as a private housekeeper for several families for nearly 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom loved to sew and made many dresses for her daughters; she was also an excellent cook who was known for her delicious cakes and pies; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom is a faithful woman of God; she joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church soon after moving to Centreville; she served as a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years and was a member of the Mother's Board and a Past President of the Missionary Board; her husband was a Baptist minister and they taught their children strong spiritual beliefs and values; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom is the matriarch of six generations; along with her 13 children, she has 48 grandchildren, 119 great-grandchildren, and 58 great-great grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mitchom is known by her family, friends, and everyone she meets as a sweet, loving, and humble person whose dedication to her family and the Lord is unmatched; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Lula Survel Mitchom on the occasion of her 100th birthday and wish her many happy and healthy years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Lula Mitchom as a symbol of our esteem and respect.