[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 100 (Thursday, July 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO MRS. BESSIE CANNON, PRESIDENT, SERVICE EMPLOYEES 
       INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU) LOCAL 880 OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 1999

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life 
of Mrs. Bessie Cannon who made her heavenly transition on Friday, July 
9, 1999 at the age of 57.
  Mrs. Cannon served diligently as the President of the 10,000 member 
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 880 for seven years. 
She was a strong and effective voice for the ``little people'', 
fighting in Chicago for the passage of the city's first ``Living Wage'' 
ordinance. She championed many causes within the labor movement in 
Chicago and across this nation during her 13 years as a member of SEIU.
  A deeply devoted Christian woman, Mrs. Cannon served faithfully as a 
member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, under 
the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Clay Evans. She had an unwavering 
commitment to the cause of Christ, believing that in Him we have 
everlasting life. Mrs. Cannon was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, 
sister and friend. She was an anchor in her home, in her church, in her 
community and indeed in this nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known Mrs. Cannon for several years. She has been 
a supporter and friend. I want to encourage her family and many friends 
to always remember to look to the hills from which comes all of their 
help. I am truly honored to pay tribute to her distinguished life and 
am privileged to enter these words into the Congressional Record of the 
United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________