A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of storyteller Jacqueline carson "Jackie" torrence.
Whereas, Jacqueline Carson "Jackie" Torrence was born on February 12, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina, and began telling stories to children while working as an assistant at the High Point Library; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence quickly emerged as a gifted storyteller who enthralled audiences with tales of Br'er Rabbit, giants, ghosts, and ordinary people that were filled with vivid cackles, moans, groans, yowls, howls, neighs, and bays; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence was in great demand as a storyteller, traveling to at least 47 states and foreign countries, including Great Britain, New Zealand, and Guam; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence performed at many venues, including the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Colonial Willamsburg, the National Storytelling Festival, and the International Children's Festival, appeared on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Kurault, and The David Letterman Show; and was featured in Parade Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence wrote several books, including "Stories from Around the World – African‑American Stories", "Jackie Tales and the Art of Telling Them", and "The Importance of Pot Liquor", and recorded some of her stories for commercial release, including "Tradition: a Potpourri of Tales", "Jump Tales", and "Classic Children's Tales"; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence won the National Education Association Award and the 1997 Storytelling World Award, and received honors from the American Library Association and the Parent's Choice Foundation and honorary doctorate degrees from Catawba College and Livingstone College; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence brought a great deal of joy and humor to the lives of countless children and adults with her unique style, melodious voice, and expressive face; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence was known affectionately as "The Story Lady"; and
Whereas, Jackie Torrence died on November 30, 2004, leaving to mourn, a daughter, Lori Seals, and three grandsons, Boyce Seals, Bishop Norman, and Benjaman Norman; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the extraordinary life and talent of Jacqueline Carson "Jackie" Torrence and expresses its appreciation for the joy she brought to others as a storyteller.
SECTION 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Jacqueline Carson "Jackie" Torrence for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.