The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 207. 

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Nelis J. Saunders, former member of the House of Representatives.

            Whereas, It is with appreciation for her commitment to her community of Detroit and her leadership in both her public service and her private life that we honor the memory of Nelis J. Saunders. Her years as a legislator exemplified a spirit of unselfishness that was evident throughout her entire life. We offer our condolences to her family as we acknowledge her service to our state; and

            Whereas, A native of Florida who studied journalism at Wayne State University, Nelis Saunders worked as a newspaperwoman with the Michigan Chronicle. Her professional responsibilities blended well with her concern for the community and her activism in a host of civic groups. In 1968, she was elected to represent the people of her Detroit district in the Michigan House of Representatives. She was among the earliest African-American women to take on this task, and her background with civil rights groups and strong involvement with key organizations gave her invaluable insights as a lawmaker; and

            Whereas, During her legislative tenure, Representative Saunders served as chair of the City Corporations Committee and vice chair of the Mental Health Committee. A measure of her dedication to public policy was her service as a staff member with the House for several years after leaving office, as well as her continuing involvement in the Detroit community. The example of her concern for others will long endure; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Nelis J. Saunders, a member of this legislative body from 1969 to 1972; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Saunders family as evidence of our lasting esteem for her memory.