Bill Text: MS SC595 | 2015 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Extend best wishes to Isaac Palmer of Greenville, Mississippi, on the occasion of his 101st Birthday Celebration.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-1)
Status: (Passed) 2015-03-10 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC595 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2015-SC595-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Simmons (12th), Butler (38th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Lee, Norwood
Senate Concurrent Resolution 595
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE BEST WISHES OF THE LEGISLATURE TO ISAAC PALMER OF GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 101ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature joins the citizens of Greenville, and Sharkey County, Mississippi, in celebrating the 101st Birthday of a respected citizen of the Mississippi Delta; and
WHEREAS, Isaac Palmer is the grandson of Jacob Palmer, a slave who escaped to the North and served in the Union Army. Isaac was born in Sharkey County, Mississippi, to Reverend Littleton and Frances Nathaniel Palmer on May 23, 1914. He is the first son of nine sisters and brothers, all of whom are deceased except Isaac and his youngest sister, Sadie Lee Norris. Isaac wanted to attend school; however, he had to leave school when he was 12 years old (Sixth Grade) to work on the farm and help provide for his younger sisters and brothers; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 21 he moved to Seattle, Washington, hoping for a better life. There he worked for Boeing Aircraft Company and Pacific Car Refinery. However, when his father became ill, he left a financially rewarding career and returned to Mississippi to take care of his mother, Frances, and his younger siblings. Eventually, he and his mother saved enough money to buy 60 acres of land in Issaquena County, Mississippi. He made two promises to his mother: (1) he would always take care of his younger siblings, and (2) he would never sell those acres; and
WHEREAS, Isaac was married to Vera Lee Bell Palmer for over 50 years until her death in 2000. Together they reared seven children: Betty, Geraldine, Odell, Isaac Lavelle, Nina, Patricia and David (deceased). Fred, his oldest son, is also deceased. Not only did he teach the love of God to his children but was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church in Blanton, Mississippi, where he served as Senior Deacon and Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years. During this time, he led many children, friends and acquaintances to Christ. He has been a laborer for Christ for more than 85 years. Moreover, he is sought out by young and old for sound advice. Perhaps describing him as a role model, mentor, counselor and friend is befitting; and
WHEREAS, as a leader in his community, he is known for his strong will, frankness, and perseverance. When he was young, he was one of a few black men who owned a car in the vicinity, a car he practically built himself; and
WHEREAS, as a young man, and upon the admonition of his father, Littleton, who was a 33rd Degree Mason, Isaac also became a Mason. Consecutively, Isaac was able to help bridge the gap for better race relations throughout Sharkey, Issaquena and Washington Counties. Additionally, he is a faithful citizen who votes conscientiously. His endorsement is highly sought after by candidates (Black and White) who were running for election or reelection; and
WHEREAS, when Isaac was about the age of 30, he went to work for M.T. Reed Construction Company to help build Highway No. 1 and also assisted in building Highway 61. He worked for Darden Company for more than 25 years; and
WHEREAS, though he only had a Sixth Grade education, he has always been passionate about helping and encouraging his children and other young people to get as much education as possible. He would drive his own children to and from Alcorn and Jackson State Colleges, as well as their friends who lived in the area (free of charge). He helped educate all seven of his children: five have achieved advanced degrees as educators and administrators; his two oldest daughters, Betty and Geraldine, are retired business owners and entrepreneurs; and two sons, Odell and David, served honorably in the U.S. Army and Air Force, respectively. He taught his oldest son, Odell, to become a mechanic where he went on to become a Master Mechanic for Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), as well as an ace auto mechanic. His name sake, Isaac, Jr., a retired educator, Coach in Chicago, Illinois, and auto mechanic, mentored young men much like his father. Many of his students went on to become teachers and administrators. His daughter, Nina, is a retired Elementary School Administrator, English Instructor and mentor who has devoted countless hours of her time with after-school activities. His youngest daughter, Patricia, is a longtime instructor who is highly regarded by her students and colleagues and has earned two Master's degrees in Education. His son, David, was a beloved Principal at Valley Park Middle School in Ontario, Canada. He also mentored and counseled many young people, especially young men. He was an advisor and teacher, as well as a committed and loved son; and
WHEREAS, although he lived in Sharkey County for many years, for the past five years Isaac has resided in Greenville, Mississippi, with his daughter, Nina; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Palmer was born when Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States of America and Earl L. Brewer was Governor of the State of Mississippi. Mr. Palmer's life has spanned the administration of 17 United States Presidents from Woodrow Wilson to Barack Obama, and 26 Mississippi Governors. This family icon has witnessed many historic events during his lifetime, including the invention of the automobile by Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers' first airplane flight and man's walk on the moon. Most of all, he has remained "steadfast and unmovable" in his faith:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the best wishes of the Legislature to Isaac Palmer of Greenville, Mississippi, on the occasion of his 101st Birthday Celebration.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Isaac Palmer and his family, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
