RESOLUTION HONORING ROSIE LEE ATCHISON ON THE MOMENTOUS OCCASION OF HER 100 BIRTHDAY
WHEREAS, August 15, 1911marks the One Hundredth Birthday of Rosie Lee Atchison, one of Chicago's most beloved and respected citizens; and
WHEREAS, Rosie was born August 15, 1911 in Lauderdale, Mississippi. After the death of her biological mother and at the young age of six weeks she was placed in the care of her father, Henry Liner. They moved to Bobo, Mississippi where he remarried and fathered a total of 27 children. Rosie was the oldest daughter of her siblings; and
WHEREAS, Rosie met and married her first husband Willie Alexander and to this union three children were born. After five years of marriage, Rosie moved to Chicago with her three children to make a better home for her family. Rosie joined Greater Salem Baptist Church, church home of World Renowned, Mahalia Jackson, and became a faithful member of the Dr. Watt's Choir; and
WHEREAS, Rosie, a young mature woman filled with an abundance of grace, intelligence, patience and charm captured the heart of Andrew Atchison, the man whom became her beloved and devoted husband and a loving marriage which lasted until his death in 1963; and
WHEREAS, In 1941 Rosie was employed with the Pennsylvania Railroad as a coach cleaner, and retired after thirty years of dedicated service. When Rosie first moved to Chicago she was a resident of the Mecca Building, then later moved to 31st and Giles with her children and grandchildren and remained residents for 14 years. Rosie later moved into the Robert Taylor Housing buildings with her eldest daughter and 8 grandchildren, she continued to pursue her dreams of a better life for her children and grandchildren and on November 20, 1970 Rosie purchased a two flat building in Chicago's Englewood Community; and
WHEREAS, Rosie Lee Atchison, affectionately known as "Big Ma", and an enthusiastic, active and much-loved resident of Chicago's great 15th Ward community, will celebrate her Centennial Birthday, August 15, 2011, thereby reaching a milestone few are fortunate to achieve. Rosie's generation lines consist of her immediate family with 6 generations. It starts with her 4 children, 17 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, 68 great-great grandchildren and 7 great great great grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, great great great grandmother, a cherished friend of many and good neighbor to all, Rosie Lee Atchison richly deserves the warm and fond wishes of her family members and friends as she marks her 100th Birthday; and
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-eighth day of July, 2011, A.D., do hereby express our congratulations to Rosie Lee Atchison as she celebrates her Centennial Birthday and extend to this fine citizen our very best wishes for continuing happiness and fulfillment.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Rosie Lee Atchison. .__
TONI FOULKES Alderman - 15th Ward