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TO CONGRATULATE MRS. LILLIE ALMA PATTON DEVLIN OF GREENWOOD COUNTY, ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY, AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND BEST WISHES FOR THE YEARS TO COME.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are delighted to learn that Lillie Alma Patton Devlin, "Miss Lillie," a lifetime resident of Greenwood County, will celebrate her one hundredth birthday on April 13, 2016; and
Whereas, she will be honored at a birthday celebration on April 9, 2016, when friends and family will reflect upon her century-long life and admire her outstanding achievements at home, in her church, and in her community; and
Whereas, born on April 13, 1916, into a world that was not very friendly, Miss Lillie made a way when there was no way in sight so that her children and grandchildren could enjoy a better life than she ever imagined. She and her children have witnessed many remarkable social changes, technological advancements, and international developments that have spanned the globe from that time into the second decade of the twenty-first century; and
Whereas, although educational opportunities for African Americans were limited during Mrs. Devlin's formative years, she taught mathematics through her example without a license or formal training by adding the values of love and hard work to her life; subtracting a can't-do attitude from her mind; multiplying these concepts in her home, church, and community; and dividing them among her children; and
Whereas, she and her beloved husband, the late John C. Devlin, were determined to raise their family properly so that their children would have a better life than theirs and enjoy a greater share of the American dream. Of their surviving children, six earned college degrees, three of whom earned master's degrees, and one earned a doctorate, all of them bearing a deep and abiding love for their parents whose hard work ensured their children's success; and
Whereas, Mrs. Devlin used her ability to serve her community as a delegate to the State Education Association for the former Promised Land Elementary School, preparing reports for the Parent Teacher Association that attested to her enduring belief that hard work creates success; and
Whereas, a devoted member of Mount Sinai African Methodist Episcopal Church, she grew in her Christian faith which emboldened her through the good times and sustained her during the difficult times. She serves at Mount Sinai as a Sunday school teacher and as a steward and trustee; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to honor Miss Lillie, a noble daughter of South Carolina, at the celebration of her one hundredth birthday and join with her family and friends in congratulating her on reaching this extraordinary milestone. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Mrs. Lillie Alma Patton Devlin of Greenwood County, on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday, and wish her a joyous birthday celebration and best wishes for the years to come.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mrs. Lillie Alma Patton Devlin.
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