[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 109 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO JORDAN HENRY WILSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 5, 1998

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commend Mr. Jordan Henry 
Wilson, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement from the Los Angeles 
Unified School District. On Saturday, August 15, 1998, Mr. Wilson, 
joined by his loving family and many friends, will be honored at a 
retirement luncheon in the fellowship hall of Park Hills Community 
Church. It is an honor to have this opportunity to recognize Jordan's 
contributions tot he Los Angeles community.
  Jordan was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Jessie and Jordan Wilson, 
Sr. The Wilson homestead included 15 children. Always a hard worker, 
Jordan could often be found helping his father tend the family garden 
or in the kitchen, helping his mother with the enormous duties 
befitting such a large household. He also worked part-time to help 
support his family, and was well known for his positive attitude and 
determination to focus only on the good things which life had to offer.
  In 1953, Jordan joined the United States Army. When not fulfilling 
his military obligations, Jordan was able to indulge his passion for 
sports by playing football with some of his Army colleagues. He was 
honorably discharged in 1955 and shortly thereafter, relocated to Los 
Angeles, California.
  A devoutly Christian man, his first task was to locate a church home, 
which would serve as his spiritual sanctuary as he set about the task 
of building a life in his new adopted home. He found such a place at 
the Mount Moriah Baptist Church. Joining Mount Moriah Baptist Church 
turned out to be a very wise and fortuitous decision for Jordan. There, 
he met Rosa Verrett--the future Mrs. Jordan Wilson, Jr. Rosa and Jordan 
were married in 1961; they are the loving parents of daughter, Carolyn 
Renee Wilson Bowles; son, Keith Lamont Wilson; and the proud 
grandparents of Darryl Lee Bowles, Jr.
  In 1987, the Wilson family joined the Zoe Christian Fellowship (ZCF) 
of Los Angeles. Under the leadership of ZCF's spiritual leader, Bishop 
Frank Stewart, Rosa and Jordan graduated from the ZCF training 
institute, and are now actively involved in ZCF's ``Committee to 
Service Ministries.'' In recognition of his contributions to the ZCF 
ministry, in 1997 Jordan received the God's Man Award.
  1998 marks Jordan's 14th and final year as a plant manager with the 
East Los Angeles Unified School District. He has provided outstanding 
service to the school district and I am certain that his presence will 
be sorely missed by his many colleagues and friends.
  Jordan's retirement from the school district will afford him 
additional precious time to devote to his church and his family. In the 
past, he has served as chairman of the Deacon Board of the Zoe 
Christian Fellowship of Los Angeles; supervisor of Junior Brotherhood 
and vice president of the Courtesy Committee at the Mount Moriah 
Baptist Church; and vice president of the Good Neighborhood Council of 
Los Angeles. He also is a member of the Blind Institute of Los Angeles.
  Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to use this occasion to salute 
the career and accomplishments of Jordan Henry Wilson, Jr. I know that 
his family and friends are proud of him, and I join them in 
congratulating him on this well-earned tribute. As he prepares to set 
course on yet another chapter in his life, I ask that you join me in 
extending our best wishes to him and Rosa on a future abundant in the 
riches of God's love, good health, and much happiness.

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