TITLE: Recognizing Mary Matilda Factory for her contributions to the American space program and leadership in the community.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Mary Matilda Factory for her contributions to the American space program and leadership in the community.

FULL TEXT:
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 President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 23, 2019.