[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MRS. ESTER GEDDIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Ester Geddis, an 
educator, entrepreneur, wife, parent, and a pillar of her community. I 
honor her today because she has devoted her life to serving the needs 
of others.
  Mrs. Geddis was born the tenth of eleven children to Enoch and Geneva 
Pringle in South Carolina. Upon the completion of her formal education 
in Charleston, SC, Ester married her husband, James Geddis, in 1959. 
That union has given her two daughters, Ava Gaillard and Felisa Geddis-
Hawkins, adopted son Antonio L. Litmon, granddaughters Heaven and Joy 
Hawkins, and son-in-law Jerome Gaillard.
  Mrs. Geddis attended Brooklyn College in the midst of marriage and 
motherhood, where she received her bachelor of science degree in 
education in 1977. Upon completion of her education, Mrs. Geddis began 
her career in education in 1978 as a classroom teacher in the Children 
and Youth Department at Kingsborough Psychiatric Center. She was then 
promoted to the position of educational supervisor in 1986. Mrs. Geddis 
went on to serve as educational supervisor at Brooklyn Children's 
Center, and then as supervisor for the Department of Aging's Foster 
Grandparent program, where she has remained until her retirement.
  Mrs. Geddis has been actively involved in the Lions Club for over 20 
years. She has been a member in the East New York Lions Club, East 
Brooklyn Lions Club, and she is currently active in the Central 
Brooklyn Lions Club. She also has always been a member of the Riverside 
Club. She has also been an active member of the First Baptist Church of 
Crown Heights for 25 years.
  Mrs. Geddis' hard work had not gone unnoticed. She was listed in 
``Who's Who In America--1980,'' and ``Who's Who In The World--1990.'' 
The Concerned Women of Brooklyn recognized her with an award for her 
dedicated service, and the Riverside Club presented her with their 
Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business and 
Profession.
  Because she knows what hard work and dedication can do, Mrs. Geddis 
founded E & E Catering in 1980, along with her partner Ermine Myers. In 
addition to catering many events for me, through E & E Catering, Mrs. 
Geddis has had the opportunity to nourish many distinguished persons, 
including President Nelson Mandela, Mayor David Dinkins, Reverend 
Herbert Daughtry, and numerous others as well as civic, private, and 
community organizations.
  Mrs. Geddis has traveled to Africa and many other continents. 
However, it was in Africa where she gained many friends and met many 
people whom she helped and sponsored over the years. It can truly be 
said that all of the many people who have been in the company of Mrs. 
Ester Geddis have truly been blessed and inspired by her undying spirit 
and love.
  Mrs. Ester Geddis is more than worthy of receiving this honor, and 
Mr. Speaker, I hope that all of my colleagues will join me today in 
honoring this truly remarkable woman.

                          ____________________