[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF EFFIE OLIVER

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the passing of 
Effie Oliver of Decatur, IL. Mrs. Oliver died last March after serving 
that community for decades in numerous caring capacities. Known 
especially for her devotion to children, the Longview Day Care Center 
of Decatur was renamed last October the Effie Oliver Child and Family 
Center in her honor. I would like to join the people of Decatur in 
offering my thanks in recognition of Mrs. Oliver's hard work, and my 
condolences to her surviving family.
  Leadership and caring were a way of life for Effie. She donated her 
time and energy to numerous organizations, including the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Democratic 
Women's Club, and the Women's Progressive Club. Mrs. Oliver was also a 
deaconess at St. Peter's AME Church and served on the advisory council 
at the Longview Day Care Center. Her husband, Bill Oliver, still serves 
the community as a Decatur city councilman.
  In her over 20 years of service to the children of Longview Day Care 
Center Effie touched many lives. She improved the environment in which 
these kids spent their days, so it was utterly appropriate that when 
the center was renamed for her, it also was improved. The Effie Oliver 
Child and Family Care Center has expanded classrooms, brand new 
restrooms, and beautiful interior additions. A portrait of Mrs. Oliver 
hangs inside.
  Mr. Speaker, in this day of increasing distrust in our neighbors and 
institutions, the life of Effie Oliver should be a remainder to us all 
of what great things can be accomplished when we give of ourselves. She 
led an exemplary life, and I am proud to have represented her in the 
U.S. Congress.

                          ____________________