GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 603
     

 
     Sponsors:	Representatives Fitch and Tolson.	
Referred to:	Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.	
March 14, 2001

     
A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF ESSIE RUTH COOPER RICHARDSON.

Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson was born on August 26, 1922, to Royal "Buddy" Cooper and Estella Avent Cooper in the Aventon Community of Nash County; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson attended the Nash County Training School, now Nash Central High School, and furthered her education by attending a number of workshops and seminars; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson was Manager of Hunter's Café in Rocky Mount and served as Director of the Edgecombe Meadows Boarding Home in Tarboro from 1955 until 1974; and
Whereas, an advocate for senior citizens, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson believed that allowing senior citizens to remain independent preserved their dignity and that providing adult day care would cost less than long-term institutionalization; and
Whereas, in 1974, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson opened the Tarboro Adult Activity Center, the first adult day care facility established by an African‑American female and ran that facility until she was no longer able; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson served as an advisor to others wanting to open adult day care facilities, and the center she opened served as a model for similar centers across the State; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson was very active in various organizations and associations, including Household of Ruth No. 302, East Tarboro Citizens League, Edgecombe County United Way, Edgecombe County Mental Health, Four Seasons Club, VOICE, Association for Homes for the Aged, Meals on Wheels, Edgecombe Entrepreneurs Association, and the Nash County Training School Alumni Association; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson was a member of the North End Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, where she was active in the Willing Works Club No. 8, the Pastor's Aid Club, and the Senior Citizens Club; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson died on February 15, 2001; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson is survived by her daughter, Barbara Ann Richardson, and several siblings; and
Whereas, Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson will be remembered for her deep commitment to the elderly, her community, and her family; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly expresses its deep appreciation for the life and accomplishments of Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson and for the great service she rendered to the elderly citizens of Nash and Edgecombe Counties.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its sympathy to the family of Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson for the loss of a beloved mother, sister, and friend.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Essie Ruth Cooper Richardson.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.