House Resolution 20EX
By: Representative Moore of the 91st
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Morriscene Watts Thomas; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Morriscene Watts Thomas; and
WHEREAS, Morriscene Watts Thomas was born on November 29, 1928, in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania, a beloved daughter of Taylor Harry Stephens and Justine Collier Watts; and
WHEREAS, a beloved educator, she devoted more than 26 years of service to public
education, shaping the lives of countless students through her work as a teacher and mentor
in the Atlanta Public School System; and
WHEREAS, she further dedicated innumerable hours of her time and energy toward her
community throughout her life, attending civil rights rallies with her friend and classmate,
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and participating in numerous activities with the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference; and
WHEREAS, a woman of deep and abiding faith, Morriscene Watts Thomas was an active
member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church; and
H. R. 20EX
WHEREAS, Morriscene Watts Thomas was blessed with four remarkable children, Eleanor,
Donzella, Mamie, and Lisa; seven wonderful grandchildren, Rhonda, Ralph Jr., Brian,
Roman, Martysses, Mark, and Penny; and a host of beloved great– and
great-great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, she gave inspiration to many through her high ideals, morals, and deep concern
for her fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding she demonstrated to
her family and friends were admired by others; and
WHEREAS, she was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example she made of her life,
she made this world a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous woman, Morriscene Watts Thomas will long be
remembered for her love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who
had the great fortune of knowing her.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Morriscene Watts Thomas
and express their deepest and most sincere regret at her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Morriscene Watts Thomas.
H. R. 20EX