A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of susan mecum burgess.
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess was born on March 3, 1946, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Shade Morris Mecum, Jr., and Rachel Browder Mecum; and
Whereas, after graduating from Saint Albans High School in West Virginia, Susan Mecum Burgess attended West Liberty University, then earned a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from Florida International University and a master's degree in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess's career included working in private dental offices and serving as a public health researcher and adjunct professor and as a health and church administrator; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess was a member of the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Board of Education from 1990 to 1997, during which time she served as chair from 1995 to 1997; and
Whereas, in 1999, Susan Mecum Burgess was elected at‑large to the Charlotte City Council and went on to serve for nine years, including seven years as Mayor Pro Tem; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess exhibited outstanding leadership abilities, serving as chair of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission, president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities, president of Women in Municipal Government, and chair of the National Conference of Democratic Municipal Officials, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess served on the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Convention and suggested that the organization consider Charlotte as the host city for the 2012 National Convention; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess made significant contributions to several Charlotte area boards and commissions, including the Arts and Sciences Council, the Council for Children (now Council for Children's Rights), the Drug Education Center (now Preventive Health Services), and the Girl Scouts, Hornets' Nest Council; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess was the recipient of many honors and awards for her many good deeds, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest citizen award, and the Order of the Hornet, Mecklenburg County's highest honor; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess was a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess died on June 16, 2010, at the age of 64; and
Whereas, Susan Mecum Burgess is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dr. William Patrick Burgess; four children, Geoffrey Burgess, Dr. Jason Burgess, Gillian Burgess, and Colin Burgess; her parents; three siblings; and seven grandchildren; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the memory of Susan Mecum Burgess and expresses the appreciation of the citizens of this State for her contributions to Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and this State.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives extends its sympathy to the family of Susan Mecum Burgess for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Susan Mecum Burgess.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.