[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 167 (Friday, December 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2536-E2537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING ONE OF AMERICA'S FINEST: ISAIAH HILLARD PILLORS

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 22, 1999

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a very 
distinguished gentleman and to recognize the important life works of 
one of Los Angeles's finest residents, Mr. Isaiah Hillard Pillors, who 
passed away on September 10, 1999.
  Isaiah H. Pillors was born March 23, 1914 to the union of Ella and 
Isaiah Hillard Pillors, Sr., in Shreveport, LA. He professed Christ at 
an early age and later united with Union Mission #1 Baptist Church. He 
received his early education in the public schools of Caddo Parish 
including a high school diploma from Central Colored High School in 
Shreveport. Isaiah then entered Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee 
University, in Tuskegee, AL. During his college years, he performed 
with the famous Tuskegee Choir whose director was the renowned 
composer, William L. Dawson. Isaiah also had an opportunity to work 
with the Great Scientist George Washington Carver. He went on to a 
Bachelor's degree in Agriculture.
  Upon relocating to Los Angeles, CA, Isaiah worked briefly in the 
shipyards before obtaining a position with the Los Angeles Unified 
School District where he was employed for 34 years. He immediately 
joined the renowned Second Baptist Church with his late wife,

[[Page E2537]]

Johnnie Louise. From his early affiliation with Second Baptist, he 
actively participated as a very faithful and tireless member. 
Throughout his 50 plus years of service, he continued his love of music 
as a dedicated member of the Cathedral Choir. Additionally, Isaiah 
worked as a Sunday School teacher where he helped to establish audio-
visual programs to accompany the regular lesson plans. Famous for his 
barbecue and his willingness to cook for others, he also directed the 
weekly activities of the Church's kitchen committee, including the 
purchase of new kitchen equipment. Several times during my busy 
schedule, he prepared dinners for my family. He was such a noble man!
  Isaiah's other great interest was his alma mater, Tuskegee 
University. Over a 45-year period, he held a variety of positions with 
the Los Angeles Tuskegee Alumni Club. His efforts were always geared 
toward supporting scholarship programs and enhancing overall alumni 
support for the University. He gave so freely of his time and financial 
resources.
  Until his death, he was an active participant in the Alumni 
Scholarship Committee and served as the L.A. Club's Chaplain. Recently, 
he was recognized at the Club's Annual Scholarship Luncheon where a 
dais chair was set aside in his honor.
  Isaiah Pillors was my friend. He was like ``Grandpa'' to my children. 
He was one of my strong supporters and admirers. He will truly be 
missed by my family, his church family, and all who knew him in the Los 
Angeles Community.

                          ____________________