Georgia-2009-SR165-Enrolled

By: Senators Hill of the 4th, Thomas of the 54th, Chapman of the 3rd and Cowsert of the 46th

Recognizing and commending Dr. Leila Daughtry Denmark; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Dr. Leila Daughtry Denmark was born on February 1, 1898, in Portal, Georgia, the beloved daughter of Elerbee and Alice Hendricks Daughtry; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Denmark's love of medicine and caring for others was sparked at an early age while she lived with her parents and siblings on her grandmother's farm and spent her days nursing sick animals to better health; and

WHEREAS, as a young girl, Dr. Denmark admired her father, who not only helped developers lay out the town of Portal but also was elected as its first mayor, serving for many decades; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Denmark attended school at the First District A and M School in Statesboro, Georgia, and went on to graduate from Bessie Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Dr. Denmark taught high school science for two years in Acworth and Claxton, Georgia, before enrolling in the University of Georgia Medical College as the only woman in her freshman class of 50 students; and

WHEREAS, in 1928, Dr. Denmark graduated from medical school and was united in love and marriage in the Baptist Church in Portal to her childhood sweetheart, John Eustace Denmark, after an eight-year engagement; and

WHEREAS, after completing her board examinations, Dr. Denmark served as the first intern for the newly opened Henrietta Egleston Children's Hospital, now known as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and admitted the first patient to the facility; and

WHEREAS, during her time with the children's hospital, Dr. Denmark also began her commitment volunteering her time and services once a week to the Central Presbyterian Church Baby Clinic, and continued to do so for over 50 years; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1930's, Dr. Denmark established her in-home medical practice and began research which would lead to the development of a vaccine for pertussis, an often fatal illness of the time also known as whooping cough; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Denmark turned the common sense advice she doled out to her patients into a book in 1972 called Every Child Should Have a Chance, informing parents on the importance of teaching a child proper eating habits, good manners, propriety in dressing, and kindness and respect for others; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Denmark practiced medicine until her retirement in 2004 at the age of 104, and was recognized as the oldest practicing physician on her 100th birthday in 1998; and

WHEREAS, during her prestigious medical career, Dr. Denmark was honored with such awards as the Fisher Award from Eli Lilly Company for her research, treatment, and immunization of whooping cough, Atlanta's Woman of the Year, the Shining Light Award from Atlanta Gas Light Company, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and honorary doctorates from Emory and Mercer universities; and

WHEREAS, a woman with a strong sense of family allegiance and an unyielding desire to help those in need, Dr. Denmark personifies dedication, intelligence, and a strong work ethic that serve as an example to all.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Dr. Leila Daughtry Denmark on her outstanding service to her patients, the State of Georgia, and mankind.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Dr. Leila Daughtry Denmark.