[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO CARRIE MAE SOLOMON

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Mrs. 
Carrie Mae Solomon, who succumbed on February 24, 1994. God-fearing, 
righteous, selfless, faithful, full of love, wise, and uplifting. Mrs. 
Solomon filled every moment of her life with meaning. She always found 
time for others, and left an indelible impression on everyone she met. 
I received firsthand knowledge of Mrs. Solomon's genuine spirit through 
her daughter, Mamie Hardy, who worked on my congressional staff from 
1979-83. Just as her mother, Mamie generated a warmth and sincerity of 
character that was a joy to be around. It is a pleasure to present to 
my colleagues a synopsis of Carrie Solomon's life, and to share a few 
reasons why she was held in such high regard.
  Born in the small township of Natchitoches, LA, on September 13, 
1916, Carrie was one of 16 children born to Oscar and Rose Lee Johnson. 
The Johnson family did not possess a lot of worldly goods, but they 
found strength in their love for God and each other. Throughout, Carrie 
maintained a sunny disposition and a sense of purpose. Although she had 
no formal schooling beyond the third grade, she taught herself reading, 
writing, and arithmetic and educated her younger siblings as well. As 
one of the oldest children, Carrie was no stranger to hard work; it 
was, perhaps, caring for her brothers and sisters that generated the 
maternal qualities for which she would become known.
  As a young adult, Carrie believed passionately that it was the work 
of God that brought her to King Solomon, the son of a preacher. King 
and Carrie lived in the South for several years after their marriage 
before moving on to California for a better life. Their union was 
blessed with six children: Alfred, Oscar, Emily, Mamie, JoAnn, and 
Linda.
  Always looking for ways to express her Christian conviction, Carrie 
found her spiritual home at the Greater Starlight Missionary Baptist 
Church of Los Angeles in 1953. For more than 40 years, she was a pillar 
of the church, steadfast and loyal, seeking to do God's word. She not 
only preached the word, but she lived it, and as the mother of the 
church, many looked to her for guidance and wisdom.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in honoring Mrs. Carrie Mae Solomon. Although her passage from 
us was untimely, she was a blessing to all that were fortunate enough 
to know her. She will be sorely missed by her children, her stepsons 
Henry James and King, Jr.; grandchildren Kim, Keith, Chris, Anjanette, 
Tifani, and Paul; great grandson Joshua; as well as an extended circle 
of family and friends. I join with these loved ones in saying well-done 
Mrs. Solomon May her memory continue to shine a light for those who 
seek to follow her example of charity, endurance, and faith.

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