[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO OLGA S. LAW

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to 
a very special lady. Mrs. Olga Sharpe Law of Merry Hill, NC, celebrated 
her 87th birthday on May 25 and was honored at a birthday celebration 
by the church family of Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church in Windsor, NC.
  Mrs. Law, one of four children who was born in Portsmouth, VA, in 
1908, has devoted her life to the service of others. After she 
graduated from Elizabeth City State Teachers College, now Elizabeth 
City State University, she taught 5 years in Virginia and then remained 
with the Bertie County school system for 39 years. As a former teacher 
myself, I can confirm that it takes a great deal of dedication and love 
to make a 39-year commitment to the children in her community. I can 
also confirm that Mrs. Law possesses these qualities in abundance. Her 
joy came in teaching the three R's--reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic. 
However, she got greater joy in teaching her students to respect 
themselves, and others. Many of her students still approach her to 
thank her for being a wonderful and inspirational teacher.
  But teaching for Mrs. Law did not end with the school day. She has 
and continues to serve as an adult Sunday School teacher, Bible study 
teacher, a deaconess, and a missionary. In between all of this, she 
regularly attends three churches pastored by her late husband.
  Mrs. Law is well known in the community for extending her hand to 
whomever is in need, and her deeds speak for themselves. Everyone knows 
that you do not have to call upon her for help, she often offers it.
  On June 4, 1992, because of her love for the church and its 
congregation, her soft-spoken voice and firm manner, the Rev. John W. 
Barnes bestowed her with the honor of ``The Mother'' of Zion Bethlehem 
Church.
  Mrs. Law remains very active in the woman's auxiliary to the West 
Roanoke Association and the Tri-County Minister's Wives and Widows' 
Association, both of which she has served as President. She has also 
served as worthy matron of the North Star Chapter Order of the Eastern 
Star No. 332 of Merry Hill.
  Mr. Speaker, all too frequently, we do not take the time out to 
recognize people who have made significant contributions to our 
communities until it is too late. However, Mr. Speaker, today, I am 
proud to rise in honor of a woman who has served her community with 
distinction and tenacity, and also with great humility. Mrs. Law 
epitomizes the tenet of lifetime service to her community and to 
others. She often says, ``If I can help somebody--then my living will 
not be in vain,'' and fortunately for us all, it hasn't.


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