[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SHERROD RAYBORN, LONGTIME LAWRENCE COUNTY CHANCERY CLERK, IS HONORED

                                 ______


                            HON. MIKE PARKER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 1996

  Mr. PARKER. Mr. Speaker, today I stand in the Halls of Congress to 
ask you to join me in paying tribute to the late Sherrod Rayborn, who 
died March 24, 1996, at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center 
following heart surgery.
  Sherrod Rayborn was elected to his first term as Lawrence County 
chancery clerk in 1972, and he served in that position for 24 years. At 
the time of his death at age 60, he had recently begun serving his 
seventh term. A native of Walthall County, he attended school in 
Lawrence County and spent his adult life in Monticello. Mr. Rayborn was 
a member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He also 
was minister of music at the church for the last 26\1/2\ years.
  In addition to his career in politics, he also was known for his 
musical talents, his sense of humor, and his positive outlook. Several 
friends describe Sherrod Rayborn and his service to the county and the 
church as ``irreplaceable.'' But I was particularly moved by what his 
friend Carey Hedgepath told a local reporter: ``He was a man of 
character. You could take for granted the accuracy of anything he told 
you.''
  These words are a fitting tribute to Sherrod Rayborn. Indeed, he is 
irreplaceable and truly an unforgettable friend to those who knew him. 
He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He is survived by 
his wife, Madeleine; two sons, Mitch and Kevin; a daughter, Mali 
Rayborn Powell; a brother, W.T.; two sisters, Willene Alexander and 
Alyne Sumrall; and a grandson, Jerrod.
  Mr. Speaker and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, I 
ask you again to join me in honoring a man of character, Sherrod 
Rayborn, his willing sacrifice of his time and energy for the public 
good, and his representation of all that is good, true, and steadfast 
in our society.

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