[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    LIFE AND TIMES OF OSEOLA McCARTY

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                           HON. RONNIE SHOWS

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 1999

  Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to take a minute to tell 
my fellow colleagues and the American People about Oseola McCarty. Ms. 
McCarty recently passed away and it is important that we pause to 
remember this remarkable Mississippian and American.
  Oseola McCarty spent her life washing and ironing the clothes of 
others in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Her life was one of meager and 
simple means concerning the material things many deem important. Her 
spirit and faith, though, was large and full. Her capacity to give and 
care and love exceeded all boundaries. Ms. McCarty was a great American 
and we all need to know and learn from her story.
  The Bible teaches us about the widow's mite; that lady who gave less 
than others but all she had and was called great for her more profound 
sacrifice. Friends, Ms. McCarty gave us all the widow's mite.
  Her meager income over the years provided just enough for her to put 
away a little in savings each month. Over these 75 years this grew and 
in 1995 she gave the University of Southern Mississippi $150,000 to 
help the poor go to school. This was a gift to all of us. Certainly to 
those who have and will benefit from a college education. But also Ms. 
McCarty gave us all the gift of love and generosity. She taught us that 
integrity in life and belief in God and others, when put into action, 
changes lives.
  I am indebted to Oseola McCarty for her example. My Alma Matter, the 
University of Southern Mississippi, is indebted to her for her gift and 
inspiration. And everyone, all of us, is indebted to Ms. McCarty 
because she helped remind us that we all matter and what we do matters 
to all.
  Many beautiful and great words will be said the next several days 
about Ms. McCarty. And, great things should be said. But, let's honor 
her the way she would want . . . let's give ourselves. Let's give to 
others, like Ms. McCarty.

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