[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E318-E319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 TRIBUTE TO DORIS COLEY KENNER-JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of a distinguished singer, Doris Coley Kenner-Jackson of Passaic, 
New Jersey, whose memorial today celebrates her remarkable talents and 
legacy. She epitomizes a strong spirit and never forgot from where she 
came.
  Doris Coley Kenner-Jackson was born August 2, 1941 in Wayne County, 
North Carolina to the late Zeno and Ruth Best Coley. She was the oldest 
of five children born to this family. One brother, Leodie, preceded her 
in death. The world lost a truly remarkable woman on February 4, 2000 
when Doris passed away at the Kaiser P. Memorial Hospital of 
Sacramento, California.
  Her educational growth began in the two Goldsboro City Schools, 
Greenleaf and East End, and continued in Passaic where her family moved 
during the late Nineteen Fifties. Once in New Jersey she continued her 
education, and attended Passaic High School. During high school, Doris' 
main pursuit was music. It was at this time that she proved herself to 
be a remarkable singer.
  Always an active and involved vocalist, Doris learned much of her 
skill in the church. Music was her passion and her gift to the world. 
Her love for music was deeply rooted in gospel. The early years spent 
singing in the church choir instilled in Doris the attributes necessary 
for her to become a stellar force in the music industry. It was the 
small steps in the beginning of her life that taught her the 
fundamentals that would make her a role model to scores upon scores of 
people worldwide.
  Doris has had a remarkable career, which has taken her to the top of 
the charts. While she was a student at Passaic High School, she and 
three classmates, Shirley Alston Reeves, Beverly Lee and Addie Mickie 
Harris formed a pop ensemble that became the Shirelles.
  The singing group eventually revolutionized the ``girl group'' sound 
of the Fifties and Sixties. This success was punctuated by ten hit 
singles including, ``Tonight's the Night,'' ``Will You Still Love Me 
Tomorrow?,'' ``Soldier Boy,'' ``Mama Said'' and ``Dedicated to the one 
I Love.'' The latter, an American classic, featured Doris as the lead 
vocalist. It is interesting to note that this sound is experiencing a 
current renaissance heralded by Britain's Spice Girls who debuted in 
the United States in 1996.
  This native of North Carolina, who later moved to New Jersey, found 
fame and fortune around the world. As a member of the Shirelles, she 
received numerous awards in many countries. One highlight of her life 
and career came on January 17, 1996 in New York City, New York when the 
Shirelles were inducted into the Rock `n' Roll Hall of Fame of 
Cleveland, Ohio. To mark this achievement, the auditorium of Passaic 
High School was named in honor of the group. In addition, Doris was 
inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Foundation.
  Doris was united in marriage to Alfonza Kenner, until his death. 
Together they had two sons, Antonio and Gary. Later, she married 
Wallace Jackson with whom she had twins, Tracy Jackson and Staci 
Jackson Richardson.
  All who knew Doris felt her magic and unique ability to form a 
distinctive bond with each and every person she met. The magic 
transcended all boundaries and is a true testament to the loving 
kindness of her spirit. Despite being ill, she was performing concerts 
until the end. This includes a series of shows from January 8 through 
January 15, 2000 aboard a cruise ship.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the City of Passaic, 
Doris' family,

[[Page E319]]

friends and me, in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments in life 
and in music of Doris Coley Kenner-Jackson.

                          ____________________