TO CONGRATULATE SUSIE BELL JENKINS SIMPSON OF GOOSE CREEK ON THE OCCASION OF HER RECENT ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Whereas, on October 21, 2021, Susie Bell Jenkins Simpson of Goose Creek awakened to the celebration of a milestone event: her one hundredth birthday; and

Whereas, born to Henry and Frances Jenkins of Goose Creek on October 21, 1921, Susie Bell was the eldest of eleven children, ten girls and one boy. She began her education in the Berkeley County School System and finished at Ashley Phosphate School in the Charleston County Schools. During her career, Susie worked at the Baker Hotel and several other places; and

Whereas, the young Susie Bell first was married to William Richardson, and they had one son, Timothy Richardson, now deceased. Several years later, while Susie's father was working on highway construction, he invited a co-worker, Theodore (Phil) Jackson of Florida, to go to church with him. Susie, now single, and Theodore fell in love. Several months later, he invited her to see his home in Florida and introduced her to his ten children. He proposed to her, and they had a well-attended, beautiful wedding in Goose Creek. In addition to Timothy's daughter, Sadine Richardson, Susie's large and loving family includes a special daughter, Margaret McKay, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, Theodore passed away after eighteen years of marriage, and Susie Bell wanted to move back to South Carolina. She saved her money and sent it to her dad to build her a house. After the house was built, she moved back home to Goose Creek; and

Whereas, later in life, she married Willis Simpson, also now deceased, who had six grown children. At the age of sixty-eight, she took in her two great-grandchildren, fourteen-month-old Jennifer Richardson and two-month-old Cheree, and raised them. She was very proud of them, dressed them like dolls, and made sure they always had what they needed, even if it meant denying herself; and

Whereas, this woman of faith is a member of Mt. Zion AME Church, where she served as Sunday School superintendent until her later years. Currently, she is a member of the church's stewardess board (number one) and the Senior Choir. She loves her church; and

Whereas, Susie enjoys watching television, especially the gospel shows and game shows, such as Jeopardy, Family Feud, and Wheel of Fortune; and

Whereas, Susie, affectionately called Mother Simpson, enjoyed two celebrations for her centennial birthday. On October 27, 2021, it was celebrated with cake and ice cream, and on October 30, 2021, the family hosted a huge birthday party at the Fleet Reserve in Goose Creek. She was escorted by her eldest nephew, William Watson, and family from Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee, as well as family and friends from all over South Carolina, were in attendance. Two of her nieces surprised her with a stretch limousine as transport to the party. She was overwhelmed at the outpouring of love; and

Whereas, it is a great pleasure to honor this daughter of South Carolina at the celebration of her one hundredth birthday and to join with her family and friends in congratulating her on reaching this important life milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Susie Bell Jenkins Simpson of Goose Creek on the occasion of her recent one hundredth birthday and wish her much happiness in the days ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Susie Bell Jenkins Simpson of Goose Creek.