[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 61 (Monday, May 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF CLARA ALSTON

                                 ______


                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 1996

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday 
of Clara Alston, a constituent and friend of mine.
  Clara was born in Demopolis, AL, on May 3, 1906, to parents Ernest 
and Daisy. Clara moved with her family to Detroit when she was 13, and 
met her husband, Spencer James Alston there in 1921. Clara married 
Spencer in 1924, and they raised five children in Detroit. They joined 
Hartford Avenue Baptist Church, where Clara is still a member today.
  Clara is the matriarch of a tremendous family in southeast Michigan. 
She today has over 50 grand, great grand, and great-great grand 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, today we do not hear enough news about the great things 
that are happening in families in America's big cities. We too often 
hear the stories of broken homes and failing families. That is why I am 
asking that we celebrate the 90th birthday of Clara Alston. She raised 
five children in Detroit. She has lived a long and productive life as 
mother, wife, grandmother, and as an artist and gardener. She is the 
first person in her family to reach 90 years of age, and she is the 
pride and joy of her large family.
  Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 4, Clara Alston's family and friends 
are getting together to celebrate her 90th birthday. I want to wish 
Clara a wonderful and beautiful day for her special birthday.

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