[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   IN HONOR OF MRS. GILBERT T. ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2000

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today with great sadness I honor Viola Mae 
Joss Adams, who passed away Thursday, June 1, 2000. Viola Adams, known 
affectionately by all who knew her as Vi, was a woman of grace and 
elegance.
  She was also a woman of intelligence and character. After graduating 
from high school in 1924 at the age of 16, she continued her education 
at The University of Texas at Austin. She graduated in 1929 with a 
double major in English and psychology and went on to teach high 
school.
  Vi met Gilbert T. Adams during her time in Austin, and in 1932 they 
were married during the Great Depression on ``a borrowed fifty dollars 
and a dime store ring.'' Vi and Gilbert subsequently moved to Gilbert's 
hometown of Beaumont, and she became a vital part of the civic life of 
her new community.
  Mrs. Adams championed the issue of safety and received national 
recognition for her effort to see that every home in the country had 
first aid training. President Dwight D. Eisenhower recognized the value 
of Mrs. Adams'work and mandated that first aid be taught in public 
schools. An active Democrat, and a proud supporter of her husband's 
professional and political endeavors, Gilbert and Vi Adams were 
recognized by the Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy and Johnson 
administrations for their contributions to our democratic process.
  A woman strongly devoted to her family, Mrs. Adams had four children: 
Gilbert Timbrell Adams, Jr., John D'Estang Adams, Elizabeth Vi Adams, 
and Patricia Ann Adams. She also was graced during her lifetime with 
eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Viola Adams was a remarkable woman who was committed to 
her community, her country, and above all, her family. She was generous 
in spirit and was of deep religious conviction. She was of the utmost 
character, and her attributes of selflessness and commitment to others 
are rare gifts that this nation was lucky to have. With her passing, a 
great loss will be felt in the spirit and the heart of Beaumont.

                          ____________________