SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 815
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Mary Matilda Factory, a beloved and accomplished
centenarian whose notable experiences and achievements have made
her a role model for many; and
WHEREAS, She was born Mary Matilda Johnson on January 17,
1919, in Blocker, Oklahoma, and she has built a rewarding life of
purpose through her commitment to her family, her church, and the
greater community; and
WHEREAS, Mary graduated from Vernon High School in 1940,
and she married John Lewis Factory the following year; she raised
her family by loving example, and four of her seven children are
still alive today; and
WHEREAS, Mary Factory worked many jobs in her life; she was
one of the first African Americans employed at the prestigious
Boeing North American Rockwell facility in McAlester, Oklahoma,
and during more than a decade of service at the plant, she earned
a reputation as a highly skilled electronics assembler; and
WHEREAS, Her work proved essential to the successful 1969
Apollo 11 moon landing, and she was honored with the Apollo
Achievement Award by the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Factory is a woman of deep spiritual
devotion, and she has been a member of Mount Triumph Baptist
Church for over 75 years; she continues to enjoy cooking,
reading, and traveling, and she loves to share her life
experiences with the younger members of her family; and
WHEREAS, Mary Matilda Factory celebrated her 100th
birthday in January of 2019, and in June of this year, she is
being honored as a special guest at the Women's Leadership
Summit, an event hosted in partnership with the University of
North Texas at Dallas; she continues to engage life with joy and
vigor, and she is truly an inspiration to all who know her; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby commend Mary Matilda Factory for her
invaluable contributions to the American space program and her
longtime leadership in the community; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
West
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 23, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate