[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 148 (Thursday, September 21, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S13995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE REED FAMILY OF POPLAR BLUFF, MO

  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, today I rise to salute a family from 
southeastern Missouri whose dedication to providing a better life for 
their children and whose commitment to education serves as a model for 
parents and families across America.
  Ferdie Reed had to leave school in the sixth grade to work in the 
cotton fields outside his home of Poplar Bluff, MO, and has worked as a 
night watchman at Three Rivers Community College for the past 28 years. 
He married Lillie Mae Arrington in 1950 and together they raised eleven 
children, stressing the values of hard work and responsibility as the 
keys to a successful future. Ferdie worked hard to provide for his 
family by farming, while holding other jobs. Lillie devoted herself to 
her family as a full time mother and was active in the work of the 
Reed's local church. She proved to be an inspiration for her children 
by going back to school and earning her General Equivalency Degree.
  The emphasis the Reed family places on education and their example of 
hard work was followed by their 11 children, all of whom graduated from 
Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff. Ten of the children 
have also gone on to earn bachelors' degrees at 4-year universities. 
Together, the 11 Reed children have more than 170 years of education.
  Recently, the Reeds were honored in their home of Poplar Bluff for 
their dedication to education and the positive impact they have had on 
their children and their community. I join today in honoring Ferdie and 
Lillie Reed, as well as their children, Wendell, Ferdie Jr., Linda, 
Brenda, Sharon, Patricia, Kathryn, David, Karen, Paul, and Mary Ann for 
their significant achievements. I salute them for their dedication, 
determination, and perseverance in the pursuit of a better life through 
education.
  Mr. FAIRCLOTH. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that further 
proceedings under the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Faircloth). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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