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WHEREAS, Lillie Royster Valentine was the 5th of 7 children born to Willi James Royster and Lillian Monroe Royster in Burnt Corn, Alabama on July 18, 1927; and,
WHEREAS, she was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Alabama State University in 1953 where she helped to pay her way by working in the university dining room; and,
WHEREAS, while on a summer visit to see her older brothers in Pittsburgh, Lillie met and later married Alfred Valentine from New York who was stationed at Greater Pitt Air Force base; and,
WHEREAS, as soon as her youngest child entered kindergarten, Lillie went to work as a teacher for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. On November 10, 1963, Lillie became a widow at age 36 leaving her to raise their 4 children, all under the age of 10. She continued to teach for 30 years while raising her family; and,
WHEREAS, she came from a close knit family whose family motto was "when one's in trouble all are in trouble" and where doing ones best was key. Lillie encouraged her children to pursue a college education and each of her 4 children graduated from college. She has also encouraged her nephews, nieces and other family members to follow her path while blazing their own trails. She has passed on her love for education to the next generation; and,
WHEREAS, Lillie is a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Lillie is one of two surviving siblings. She is an active member of Trinity AME Zion Church where she is a member of the deaconess board and the missionary society. Lillian, a long time resident of Chartiers City, takes great pride in gardening and continues to do her own yard work; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby congratulate Lillie Royster Valentine on her 90th Birthday; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare July 18, 2017, to be "Lillie Royster Valentine Day" in the City of Pittsbur...
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