PROCLAMATION

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

HONORS AND REMEMBERS

Mother Oneida Branch

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Whereas, Mother Oneida Branch was born on October 23, 1918, in New Orleans and moved to East Palo Alto, California, with her husband, Mr. Rev. James Branch, more than 50 years ago;

Whereas, Mother Branch earned the title “Mother” by being the mother to her own children, and serving as a generous matriarch to the East Palo Alto community; and

Whereas, Mother Branch was known for her great stories which always carried an important message for the younger generations; and

Whereas, in 1955 Mother Branch helped organize St. John Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto, and also served as a Sunday school teacher and sewing club leader; and

Whereas, Mother Branch as a devoted follower of Christ served as a Baptist historian, participated in conventions across the United States, and traveled throughout the world as a missionary; and

Whereas, Mother Branch’s service work extended beyond the church to providing food and clothing to those in need through the organization she founded, the East Palo Alto Community Center; and

Whereas, after the East Palo Alto Community Center’s first office burned in a fire and the second office was flooded, Mother Branch decided to hand out food and clothing from her family home in East Palo Alto; and

Whereas, Mother Branch’s grandchildren plan to continue the important work of the East Palo Alto Community Center in honor of Mother Branch’s legacy; and

Whereas, while Mother Branch’s life on earth ended March 22, 2011, her memory continues in her six generations of sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and community, and her everlasting spirit lives forever.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, hereby honors and remembers Mother Oneida Branch for her lifetime of service in San Mateo County.

Dated: April 1, 2011

SUPERVISORS:

CAROLE GROOM, PRESIDENT

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

DON HORSLEY

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors