Label
Councilwoman McPherson
Dana Watson x2051
Title
Honoring the Longevity and Legacy of Mrs. Amanda West and Mrs. Cordelia Roberts.
Summary
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, Mrs. Amanda West, born May 10, 1922 in De Kalb, Mississippi to Roy and Bellosie Vance, relocated to Toledo in 1940 with her husband, Reverend James West, Jr., where they raised eight children, established a lasting family home on Hoag Street, and where she has resided for more than 60 years; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. West worked more than 27 years at the Commodore Perry Hotel, demonstrating the same dedication to her profession as she did to her church and community. A devoted member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under founding Pastor S. M. Jordan, she served on the Nurses Guild and later continued her service at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church under Pastor Samuel Coleman, where she has been a member for over 66 years; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. West’s legacy are her 30 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren; her unwavering faith has carried her through the loss of six children, yet she remains a beacon of encouragement, service, and prayer. As a founding member of the Citywide Missions Ministry, she has served for more than 30 years, leaving an indelible mark on the community of Toledo; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Cordelia Roberts, born September 21, 1925, in Mississippi, to Roy and Bellosie Vance, is the guiding light and matriarch of her family. She married her high school sweetheart, the late Jake Roberts, Sr., and together they raised eight children, leaving a legacy of twenty-four grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren, and twelve godchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Roberts, affectionately known as “Mother Roberts,” “Cordy,” or “Aunt Cadee,” has been a source of encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration. She opened her home to family members seeking opportunity in Toledo, always sharing her strength and guidance rooted in biblical principles. Her lifelong love of cooking led to a 61-year career with Bennett Enterprises, where she retired in 2016 at the age of 91. Her dedication was celebrated publicly, including a televised segment honoring her decades of service; and
WHEREAS, a devoted 70-year member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Roberts continues to faithfully serve on the Nurses Guild, Mission Society, and Mothers Board, and in 2024 she received “The Silent Soldier Award” in recognition of her steadfast faith and service; and
WHEREAS, longevity is a blessing granted to those whose lives are filled with faith, love, service, and perseverance, and it is most fitting that we honor two remarkable sisters—Mrs. Amanda West, age 103, and Mrs. Cordelia Roberts, age 100—for their extraordinary lives and contributions to family, church, and community. Today, both sisters stand as pillars of strength and living testimonies of the power of perseverance.
NOW THEREFORE, Be it resolved that:
SECTION 1: Toledo City Council does hereby recognize and honor Mrs. Amanda West and Mrs. Cordelia Roberts for their extraordinary longevity, enduring faith, service, and legacy of love they continue to bestow upon their families, their churches, and the City of Toledo.
SECTION 2: That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted _________________: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council