[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10139-S10140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO BERTIE SWEENEY GAMMELL PARISH

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
friend Bertie Sweeney Gammell Parish, a lifelong resident of Clayton, 
Alabama, hardworking wife and mother, dedicated member of the 
community, newspaper professional, and an inspiration to all who knew 
her. Bertie passed away at her home on Wednesday, August 26, 1998.
  Born on June 4, 1915 in Dothan, Alabama, Bertie was the daughter of 
William Lee and Pearle Ennis Gammell. From her earliest beginnings, 
Bertie was an active member of the Clayton United Methodist Church 
where she combined her love of music with her service to God as 
organist and choir director for almost 50 years. Bertie held a 
bachelor's degree in music from Alabama College, teaching music briefly 
at Montgomery County High School and later in Clayton.
  A former member of the Eufaula Music Guild, Bertie was a Paul Harris 
fellow of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International---an award 
presented by the Clayton Rotary Club, a lifetime member of the Alabama 
Federation of Garden Clubs and a member of the Clayton Garden Club.
  In addition to the many awards and community service position she 
held, Bertie is probably best known as the editor and publisher of The 
Clayton Record---a post she assumed in 1960 after the deaths of her 
father and later her mother---both held the position in consecutive 
terms before her. She passed this torch to her daughter Rebecca Parish 
Beasley who holds the position today. The Clayton Record is one of only 
a few remaining family-owned and operated newspapers.
  Bertie's column ``One Comment,'' which appeared on the front page of 
The Clayton Record, was a favorite of subscribers. From her astute 
observations on everything from politics to gardening, Bertie thrilled, 
inspired and delighted her readers, including local gardeners who hoped 
to receive mention in one of her columns.
  Bertie was well known not only in Clayton, but across Alabama. She 
received many awards and kudos from colleagues in the news business 
including a listing in Who's Who of American Women, and the News Media 
Service to Education Award. She was also a staunch preservationist who 
worked diligently to preserve history and local historic structures in 
and around Clayton.

[[Page S10140]]

  Despite a demanding schedule, Bertie never forgot what matters most: 
family and friends. She is survived by her husband Thomas William 
Parish, Sr.---to whom she would have been married for 59 years on 
August 30, 1998; three children: Dr. Thomas William Parish, Jr., of 
Geneva, Joseph Edward Parish, Sr., of Clayton; and Rebecca Parish 
Beasley of Clayton; six grandchildren: Joseph Edward Parish, Jr. of 
Montgomery; Lucile Martin Parish of Columbus, Georgia; Edna Elane 
Parish Gulledge of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Thomas Frank Kelly, Jr., 
of Montgomery; Rebecca Parish Kelly of Clayton; and Thomas William 
Parish, III, of Geneva; three great-grandchildren; other relatives and 
friends too numerous to mention.
  I will miss Bertie. She was a good friend for many years. My heart 
goes out to her family as they remember her love, her many 
accomplishments, and the important role she set for them and for others 
in and around Clayton, Alabama. My prayers are with you.

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