[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1532-E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO ODETTE ORAH LOUISE CHARBONNET

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                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 5, 1996

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to salute Mrs. Odette Orah 
Louise Charbonnet of Los Angeles, CA, on the occasion of her 100th 
birthday, which she observed on August 8, 1996.
  Affectionately known as Mother, Odette was born in new Orleans, LA, 
on August 8, 1896. She was the third child born to Thomas and Julia 
Clayton. As a young girl, Odette teamed with her sister to form a 
dancing and singing duo known as the Clayton Sisters. The Clayton 
Sisters performed in New Orleans, as well as in surrounding areas.

[[Page E1533]]

  It was at one of these performances that Mother met the debonair 
Joseph Louis Charbonnet, Daddy Joe. Daddy Joe and Mother married in 
July 1918. They were blessed by a union spanning 40 years--a union that 
produced five children: Helena, Joseph, Jr., known as Bubby, Leroy, 
Joyce, and Nolan.
  By 1950, Mother and Daddy Joe had settled in Los Angeles. They were 
joined by many of their friends from New Orleans, and soon formed 
social clubs which would become the hub for many of their social and 
philanthropic activities.
  Mother was a gifted seamstress, who could always be found at her 
sewing machine turning out enviable designs to rival the most talented 
couturiers. She would spend all day laboring over her elegant designs, 
but in the evening her attention would turn to her second love--playing 
cards. Her love of card games would evolve into a passion for Las 
Vegas.
  Most of all, however, Mother has always adored her family and her 
church. She is a steadfast and devout member of Transfiguration 
Catholic Church. For the past quarter of a century, she has been the 
proud recipient of the church's Mother's Day corsage, presented to the 
oldest member in attendance.
  Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, August 4, 1996, Mrs. Charbonnet's family and 
friends gathered at Los Angeles' renowned Wilfandel Club to pay tribute 
to this remarkable and indefatigable woman. I am sure that it was grand 
celebration, for she is a grand lady. I am proud to count her as my 
friend, and delighted to have this opportunity to share a glimpse of 
her wonderful life with my colleagues. Please join me in extending our 
heartfelt birthday wishes to this outstanding centenarian.

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