A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of frances dawson basden for her service to pender county.

Whereas, Frances Dawson was born in Vass, North Carolina, on August 30, 1936, to Wallace McKay Dawson and Ruby Marks Dawson; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson's love for people and community was noticed early in her life; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson moved to Burgaw as a teenager, where she quickly got involved in school and the school's activities; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson worked part‑time after school in several different businesses to support herself and her younger sister; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson graduated from Burgaw High School in 1954; and
Whereas, after graduation, Frances Dawson worked for the Register of Deeds Office and later became the first female assistant Register of Deeds in Pender County; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson married the love of her life, James Basden, on January 8, 1955; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden accompanied her husband to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed in the military and a year later returned to Burgaw when her husband was sent overseas; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden worked as a medical assistant for 18 years, during which time she attended Miller Mott Business School and Cape Fear Community College; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden worked for the Department of Social Services and later, the North Carolina Child Support Office; and
Whereas, in 1986, Frances Dawson Basden was elected Clerk of Court for Pender County, a position she held until her death; and
Whereas, as Clerk of Court, Frances Dawson Basden was in the position to do what she liked to do best, helping the people in her community; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden was a charter member of the Pender County Rescue Squad and served as captain of the Squad for five years; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden was active in the Pender County Rotary Club and served as its first female president; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden was devoted to her church, where she served as choir director, pianist, teacher, and youth director; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden exhibited her love and concern for her community in many ways, including collecting toys, clothing, and food for needy children and families; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden was admired and respected by all who knew her; and
Whereas, despite a busy career, Frances Dawson Basden found ample time to raise a fine son, James Wallace Basden, who is married to Kimberly E. Basden, and to dote on her two beautiful grandchildren, Jordan and Brad; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden died on August 11, 2001; and
Whereas, Frances Dawson Basden will be missed by all the many people whose lives she touched; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of Frances Dawson Basden and expresses its appreciation for the service she rendered to the citizens of Pender County and this State.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of Frances Dawson Basden for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Frances Dawson Basden.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 30th day of September, 2002.

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		 Beverly E. Perdue
	 President of the Senate

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		 James B. Black
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives