2017 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 150
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Shirley Slaughter Young.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the citizens of Louisiana
learned of the death of Shirley Slaughter Young on May 8, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Slaughter Young was born in Patoutville, Louisiana, to
Cornelius Slaughter Sr. and Ellen Alexander Slaughter, and she was the youngest of seven
children; and
WHEREAS, she attended Patoutville Elementary School and graduated from
Jeanerette Colored High School in 1953, and at the age of sixteen enrolled at Grambling
State University and completed her studies in 1956, earning a bachelor's degree in education
in only three years; and
WHEREAS, at the age of nineteen, Shirley Young began a lifelong career in the field
of education, obtained her master's degree from Southern University in 1967, and completed
graduate work beyond the master's level at the University of Southwestern Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, she began her teaching career in Iberia Parish at Lee Street Elementary
and later at Grand Marais Elementary, and upon moving to Lafayette, she advanced her
career with the Lafayette Parish School System teaching first grade at St. Antoine
Elementary School in the early 1970s during the initial days of school integration; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Young, along with several other African-American teachers,
was mandated to transfer to schools on the South side of Lafayette to integrate the school
system, and she transferred to Edgar Martin Middle School where she remained until her
retirement in 1987; and
WHEREAS, at Edgar Martin Middle School she became a role model to the newly
integrated African-American students as well as students of all races, and it was there that
she created lifelong friendships with her administrators and coworkers; and
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WHEREAS, upon her retirement from the Lafayette Parish School System, she
taught for a short time at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, but her love for Holy
Family Catholic School led her to take a position there that afforded her the opportunity to
serve in various capacities including classroom teacher, assistant principal, and curriculum
coordinator for twenty years until her retirement; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Young's entire professional teaching career, which spanned fifty
years, consisted of educating children in both public and Catholic school systems, a
professional achievement rarely seen in education today, and she has the distinct honor of
being the first Lafayette Education Foundation Inspirational Category winner; and
WHEREAS, in 1969, the Youngs and several other families helped to integrate St.
Anthony Catholic Church and in 1974, Mrs. Young answered the Lord's call to lead the
Ladies of St. Anthony Altar Society and she served as its president for over forty consecutive
years with humility, vigor, grace, and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Young worked tirelessly to bring the women of the community
together in fellowship, and in 1987, had the distinct honor of being chosen to be a part of the
diocesan delegation that welcomed Pope John Paul II to New Orleans where she was able
to touch his hand and receive communion from him during Mass; and
WHEREAS, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she provided a pillar of
courage to countless people while serving as a "second mother" and mentor to many; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Young was a woman of great strength, grace, and dignity who
lived a full, Christian life, always putting the Lord first in everything she did; and
WHEREAS, always striving for success in her endeavors and setting high standards
for herself, she never settled for second best and always encouraged others to put their best
foot forward; and
WHEREAS, family was very important to her and being an excellent cook, she
enjoyed having her family with her and welcomed visitors into her home; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Slaughter Young leaves to mourn her passing and cherish
unforgettable lifetime memories, her loving children Tammy, Gina, Gregory, and Roy Jr.;
her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Allison Ellen Anastasia Marcel, Rivers
Christopher Wayne, Princeton Joseph Cahee, Roy Joseph "Trey" Young III, Seth Michael
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Young, Myles Hamilton Young, Gregory C. Young II, Darius L. Young, Kimberly Roberts,
Pasquell Webb, Shanekia Cook, Nevaeh Blue, Aaliyah Frazier, and Allinah Frazier; one
sister, Geneva Williams; one brother, D. J. Slaughter, and a host of nieces, nephews,
relatives, and dear friends; and
WHEREAS, she was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Ellen Slaughter
Sr.; a sister, Martha Lyle; brothers, Morris Slaughter, Irving Slaughter, and Cornelius
Slaughter Sr.; and one step-granddaughter Jasmine Blue; and
WHEREAS, the death of Shirley Slaughter Young has left a substantial void in the
Lafayette community and a sense of loss in the citizens whose lives she touched, and her
memory shall live forever in the minds and hearts of all those who knew and loved this
remarkable lady.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Shirley Slaughter
Young, records for posterity her outstanding achievements, and extends enduring
appreciation for the tremendous pride and honor that she will forever bring to the Lafayette
community, the state of Louisiana, and the United States of America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Shirley Slaughter Young.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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