[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MRS. MARY JANE RODGES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 1999

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
life long resident of Cleveland, Mississippi and my constituent, Mrs. 
Mary Jane Rodges. Mrs. Rodges will celebrate her 85th birthday on May 
22, 1999. Mrs. Rodges, a devoted mother, dedicated church woman, and 
retired educator of local acclaim has much to be thankful for and is 
well deserving of our high praise. She taught in the Mississippi public 
school system for 40 years, helping to prepare thousands of young 
people for a brighter future. Mrs. Rodges was just as devoted to her 
church as she was to building the minds of others. She shared her 
talents and uplifted the congregation of St. Paul Baptist Church in 
Shaw, Mississippi, as its musician, for more than 50 years.
  Mrs. Rodges' greatest accomplishment though has to be the five 
children she raised--who all became valuable and productive citizens of 
our country. One of her daughters, Mrs. Bobbie L. Steele, who is a 
Commissioner for Cook County in Chicago, Illinois, is planning a grand 
celebration for her mother. This is a well-deserved event for an 
exceptional woman and I stand here on the floor of the House of 
Representatives today and ask all to join me in wishing Mrs. Mary Jane 
Rodges ``Happy 85th birthday''.

                          ____________________