[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1025-E1026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING EDNA SKEETE MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Edna Skeete Mitchell, a 
marvelous lady from Barbados, who is celebrating her 100th birthday.
  She was born October 10, 1898, the second of seven children born to 
Gertrude and Charles Skeete. She came to the United States in 1922 and 
soon after met and married K. Claude Mitchell. They had two children, 
both of whom have enjoyed professional success.

[[Page E1026]]

  Mrs. Mitchell acquired from her grandmother a recognition that a good 
education is a necessity. She and her siblings were all educated and 
her children continued that fine tradition here in the United States. 
Her son Claude, Jr. received his MSW from City University and her 
daughter Joan is active in the Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.
  After her husband died, she raised her children while working at New 
York Cornell Hospital as a dietitian assistant.
  At her family birthday party in October of last year, family members 
came from as far away as Barbados, Canada, Massachusetts and Virginia 
as well as the tri-state area to celebrate her centenary. One nephew 
from Barbados, who is Consul to Sweden, brought her a gold heart as a 
symbol of the kind heartedness she showed him and others of the family. 
Another, a Dean at Howard University, served as emcee.
  Mrs. Mitchell still is a member of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. She 
epitomizes what immigrants have done for America. Giving all and 
raising children who, with every generation, contribute still more. We 
are fortunate that she came to us and I congratulate her on this 
special birthday.

                          ____________________