A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of ruth culbertson samuelson, former member of the general assembly.
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on November 4, 1959, to Bob and Peggy Culbertson; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1977 and earned a B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson began her career in the securities and insurance industry and later served as President of Philanthropy in Motion; and
Whereas, Representative Samuelson served with honor and distinction for four terms between 2007 and 2014 and brought incomparable negotiating skills to forge agreements on some of the legislature's most highly charged issues. Her ability to cross political chasms, labels, and lines to bring consensus and solutions for a better North Carolina earned her the admiration and respect of her colleagues and the nickname "the Velvet Hammer" due to her ability to strongly lead with courage, grace, and kindness; and
Whereas, while in the General Assembly, Representative Samuelson served as chair of the Banking and Environment Committees; as vice‑chair of the Redistricting Committee, as a member of the Committees on Appropriations, Commerce and Job Development, Commerce, Finance, Health and Human Services, Public Utilities, and Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House; and as Republican Conference leader; and
Whereas, during her final speech on the floor of the House, Representative Samuelson read a favorite quote from a hymn, "In Christ alone my hope is found… No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me"; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson was active in her community, serving on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners from 2000 to 2004, President's Council of Central Piedmont Community College, Board of Visitors of Johnson C. Smith University, and Board of Counselors of Catawba Lands Conservancy; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson championed conservation, parks, and environmental causes and, most notably, successfully advocated for the Mecklenburg County Park's greenway system, including the Sugar Creek Greenway; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson was involved with many charitable organizations, serving as a sustainer member of the Junior League of Charlotte, a member of the National Board of Peacemaker Ministries, and a Charlotte Trustee of Speedway Charities; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson was a mentor to men and women of all ages, races, faiths, and positions; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson was a woman of great faith and a member of Uptown Church of Charlotte; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson was honored for her activities and community involvement, including being named one of "50 Most Influential Women in Business, Government" by the Mecklenburg Times; a Hall of Fame inductee of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., Charlotte Chapter; and a Green Government Leader by the Charlotte Business Journal; receiving the Green Tie Award from the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters; and having a mile of the greenway through Mecklenburg County's Freedom Park named in her honor; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson was also the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the State's highest commendation for public service; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson died January 23, 2017; and
Whereas, Ruth Culbertson Samuelson is survived by her husband, Ken Samuelson; four children, Bobby Samuelson and his wife, McKinsey; David Samuelson and his wife, Courtney; Joy Bennett and her husband, Chad; and Alex Cardiel; four grandchildren, Ford, Margaret Ruth, Evan, and Mason; three siblings, Ewell Culbertson; John Culbertson, and Laura Thomas; and several nieces and nephews; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Ruth Culbertson Samuelson and expresses its appreciation for the service she rendered her community and State.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly joins the family and friends of Ruth Culbertson Samuelson in mourning a devoted and caring wife, mother, friend, and colleague.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Ruth Culbertson Samuelson.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.