[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 65 (Friday, April 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO NELLE M. BIGBEE

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, Mrs. Nelle M. Bigbee, a native of 
Tuscumbia, AL, passed away on March 8 at the age of 92. An accomplished 
writer, news commentator, artist, poet, and public speaker, Nelle was 
the first female newscaster in the State of Alabama. Her daily radio 
and television programs, which were such a fixture of the Tuscumbia 
community, won many awards from the American Women in Radio and 
Television Organization.
  Nelle Bigbee wrote for numerous publications and received many awards 
from the Associated Press as well. She participated in many community, 
church, civic, and professional activities, including the American 
Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and United Way, just to 
name a few. She was instrumental in organizing the first Helen Keller 
play, and acted the part of ``Aunt Ev'' for several years. She held the 
distinction of being the first female candidate to run for elected 
representative to the Alabama Legislature.
  She was a wonderful neighbor of mine. She and her departed husband 
Hatton were great friends. She was admired and loved by all who knew 
her.
  Nelle Bigbee indeed lived a long, rich, and multifaceted--even 
trailblazing--life. The talented Alabama journalists and commentators 
of today owe her a great deal of thanks for her pioneering spirit and 
determination. I extend my condolences to her entire family in the wake 
of their loss, and join her many friends and admirers in reflecting on 
the many outstanding accomplishments that defined her life and work.

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