1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 104 1-3 In Memory 1-4 of 1-5 A. C. Littlefield 1-6 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens 1-7 of Austin and the entire world of gospel music in mourning the loss 1-8 of beloved singer A. C. Littlefield, who died January 22, 1999, at 1-9 the age of 74; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Born the son of Georgia and Willie Littlefield on 1-11 January 16, 1925, in Sealy, Texas, A. C. moved to Austin in 1938 1-12 with his family; and 1-13 WHEREAS, A patriotic American, Mr. Littlefield joined the 1-14 United States Army in 1943 and served his country faithfully, 1-15 receiving an honorable discharge in 1945; and 1-16 WHEREAS, A. C. married Johnnie Mae Sorrels, the great love 1-17 of his life, in 1947, and their marriage was a lifelong joy 1-18 to both; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Affirming his belief in Christ at an early age, he 1-20 was baptized at the Saint Edward's Baptist Church in Montopolis 1-21 by the late Reverend E. M. Franklin; later, he became a member 1-22 of Mount Olive Baptist Church under the late Reverend H. A. Sneed; 1-23 and 1-24 WHEREAS, A faithful and dedicated member of his church, 2-1 Mr. Littlefield attended Sunday School regularly, was Chairman 2-2 of the Deacons, and was a featured soloist with the Chapel Choir; 2-3 and 2-4 WHEREAS, A lead singer of the Starlight Singers in 1948, 2-5 A. C. and the group later became the renowned gospel quartet, 2-6 the Bells of Joy, in 1951; and 2-7 WHEREAS, This group recorded the song "Let's Talk About 2-8 Jesus" in which A. C. was the lead singer; the song was enormously 2-9 popular when it was released by the Duke/Peacock Records Company 2-10 in Houston; the Bells of Joy was the first quartet to sell over a 2-11 million copies of a gospel song; and 2-12 WHEREAS, The Bells of Joy received many offers to record 2-13 mainstream rhythm and blues, but they decided to stay with 2-14 gospel singing, and their performances over the years have brought 2-15 joy and renewed religious fervor to thousands; and 2-16 WHEREAS, In 1986 the Bells of Joy became the first black 2-17 spiritual group to make a commercial for the Blue Bell Ice Cream 2-18 Company; in 1991 they appeared at the Texas Festival at the 2-19 Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; in 1995 they made a video 2-20 with famous singer Willie Nelson; and in 1999 they released a 2-21 new compact disc entitled The Second Time Around; and 2-22 WHEREAS, After Mr. Littlefield retired from the Austin 2-23 State School with 20 years of service, he became a foster 2-24 grandparent at Andrews Elementary School, where the students, 2-25 faculty, and staff respected and loved him; and 2-26 WHEREAS, A. C. Littlefield was a devoted husband, and he 3-1 leaves priceless memories which will be treasured forever by 3-2 his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it 3-3 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 3-4 76th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 3-5 bereaved family of A. C. Littlefield: his adored wife, 3-6 Johnnie Mae Littlefield; his brother, Ester Littlefield; his 3-7 sisters, Muriel Hodge and Lovie Littlefield; and a large 3-8 group of loving nieces and nephews; and, be it further 3-9 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 3-10 the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy 3-11 from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 3-12 day, it do so in memory of A. C. Littlefield. 3-13 Barrientos 3-14 ______________________________________ 3-15 President of the Senate 3-16 I hereby certify that the above 3-17 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-18 on January 28, 1999, by a rising vote. 3-19 ______________________________________ 3-20 Secretary of the Senate 3-21 ______________________________________ 3-22 Member, Texas Senate