HR144INTRODUCED Page 0 HR144 9J9CQMP-1 By Representatives Holk-Jones, Givens, Fidler, Simpson, Baker, Easterbrook, Stringer, Rehm, Brinyark, Faulkner, Hall, Moore (P), Underwood, Wood (D), Hulsey, Shaver, Collins, Almond, Kiel, Pringle, Lovvorn, Ross, Clarke, Travis, Forte, DuBose, Lomax RFD: First Read: 18-Mar-25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9J9CQMP-1 03/17/2025 LMG (L)LMG 2025-1289 Page 1 First Read: 18-Mar-25 HR____ CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF OPAL STEELE BLACKWELL. WHEREAS, it is with great pride and admiration that we recognize the remarkable milestone that Gulf Shores resident Opal Steele Blackwell has reached on the joyous occasion of her 100th birthday on March 29, 2025; and WHEREAS, she was born to Thomas and Pauline Steele in Tampa, Florida, on March 29, 1925, and as a young child moved with her parents to Foley, Alabama, the place she would call home for a majority of her life; and WHEREAS, she attended and graduated from Foley High School, where she met her future husband, Earl Blackwell, with whom she built a loving family, raising two children, Pairzetty and Michael; and WHEREAS, a devoted homemaker, she also enjoyed her occasional work at Cooper's Department Store in Foley, where she was blessed to see and help so many of her friends from across South Baldwin County; and WHEREAS, she has been a valued member of the community, notably as a founding member of the Foley Civic League, an organization dedicated to the betterment of the city and its residents; and WHEREAS, Opal Steele Blackwell is an accomplished bridge player, having earned the prestigious status of Life 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 HR144 INTRODUCED Page 2 bridge player, having earned the prestigious status of Life Master, a testament to her skill, dedication, and keen intellect; and WHEREAS, her faith has been a guiding force throughout her life, as she has remained a lifelong Episcopalian and, in recent years, continued to be an active and faithful member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Bon Secour; and WHEREAS, she takes great joy in her loving family, which includes her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who bring her immense pride and happiness; and WHEREAS, the occasion of her centennial birthday provides an opportunity for her family, friends, and community to reflect on the legacy of kindness, strength, and dedication that Opal Steele Blackwell has imparted over the past century; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That we do hereby honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of Opal Steele Blackwell on the occasion of her 100th birthday, commending her for her many contributions to her community and extending our best wishes for continued happiness and health. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Opal Steele Blackwell in recognition of this special occasion, with sincere congratulations and warmest regards. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54