[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 5 (Monday, January 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E31]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO DEACONESS ROSA A. JENNINGS, LIFELONG DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
              RESIDENT, JANUARY 26, 1914-JANUARY 26, 2000

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 31, 2000

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, Deaconess Rosa Jennings, affectionately 
referred to as ``Rosie'', was born in Freedman's Hospital, Washington, 
DC. She resided in the District of Columbia until her husband's death, 
in 1994. Rosa Jennings was the daughter of the late Wallace and Mary 
Toles. She committed her life to Christ in her early teens and she had 
been a member of the 12th Street Christian Church for her entire adult 
life. She loved her church and was willing to lend a helping hand. She 
was very active in the flower club, and the nursing unit. She also 
found time to sing in the Senior Choir, and ultimately became a 
faithful Deaconess.
  Ms. Jennings was educated in the Washington, DC public school system, 
graduating from M Street High (Dunbar High School). She completed two 
years of higher education at Minor Teacher's College. She was a Federal 
service employee for over 36 years, retiring as a military personnel 
supervisor at the Pentagon. She received several letters and 
certificates of commendation and appreciation, during her Federal 
service.
  Rosie was actively involved in volunteer community organizations, 
within the Washington, DC area, following her retirement from the 
Federal Government. As a longstanding resident of Washington, DC, she 
served as a volunteer worker at various voting poll locations, during 
every city-wide election. She loved caramel popcorn and looked forward 
to attending the Circus each year. She was a very quiet person in 
nature, but her presence was felt by all that knew her.
  Peacefully, on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 (her birthday), she 
quietly obeyed God's call to enter his holy gates. She fought the 
battle, keeping the faith, and now is resting in peace. She was 
preceded in death by her husband William Jennings, her three siblings, 
Arthur Toles, Gladys King, Lois Akins, and a loving daughter, Theresa 
Curtis and her husband, Everett Curtis.
  She leaves behind to mourn her loving daughter Sylvia B. Miller, and 
her husband, Vandy L. Miller; eight grandchildren--Kerwin Miller, Karen 
Saunders, Karmen Miller, William Jennings, Lois Williams, Joyce 
Middleton, Michelle Curtis and Everett Curtis, Jr.; five great 
grandchildren--Robyn Williams, Markia Burch, LaShawn White, Phillip 
Brooks and Vandy Brooks; a loving niece and nephew, Rosa Lee and Monty 
Denny; three grandsons-in-law--Russell Saunders, Gregory White and 
Bobby Williams; five sisters-in-law-Carrie Toles, Belle Jennings, 
Margaret Hargrove, Hazel Williams, Gwen Anderson; and a host of other 
relatives and friends.

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