HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4717, by Representatives Mason, Tokuda, Kessler, Mastin, Quall, Scott, Patterson, Sheldon, H. Sommers, Hatfield, Basich, Costa, Cody, Linville, Lisk, Foreman, Valle, Conway, Scheuerman, Cooke, Robertson, Skinner, Ballasiotes and Cole

      WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

      WHEREAS, On September 2, 1965, Ms. King was appointed to the Washington State House of Representatives, becoming the first African-American woman to serve in the State Legislature; and

      WHEREAS, She served the 37th Legislative District with honor and distinction during the 1966 legislative session; and

      WHEREAS, Marjorie Pitter King was born in Seattle on March 8, 1921, to Seattle pioneers Edward and Marjorie Pitter, the youngest of three children, all daughters; and

      WHEREAS, She attended Seattle Public Schools, graduating from Garfield High School in 1938; and

      WHEREAS, Ms. King attended the University of Washington, studying accounting at a time when few Black Americans attended; and

      WHEREAS, She married John King and had two sons, Walter and Edward King; and

      WHEREAS, Ms. King owned a successful accounting business in Seattle for 48 years, until poor health forced her retirement in 1994; and

      WHEREAS, She was active in her church, the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Seattle's Central Area, directing its choir, sewing circle, and Walther League young people's group; and

      WHEREAS, She was active in politics throughout her life, including having served as a delegate to the 1964 and 1968 Democratic National Conventions, serving on the Credentials Committee at the former, and championing the seating of the Mississippi Freedom Delegation; and

      WHEREAS, Ms. King was a woman of deep religious convictions who brought great dignity to this body in the short period of time she served; and

      WHEREAS, Her passing on January 28, 1996, marks the end of an inspiring story of human achievement and an indelible chapter in Washington state history;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marjorie Pitter King and express its deep sadness at the passing of a pioneer for the rights of all persons.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4717 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         February 2, 1996.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk