[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 147 (Monday, December 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO MARY ALICE CARTER ON HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 4, 2000

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special 
person, Ms. Mary Alice Carter, as she celebrates an important milestone 
in her life.
  Mary Alice Carter was born 80 years ago, on December 31, 1920, in 
Alamance County, North Carolina. Her proud parents were William and 
Maude Howard, and she was the 5th of four brothers and four sisters. 
Since her earliest years, her strong, living and vivacious personality 
has placed her at the center and circle of family and friends.
  Seeking opportunities for herself and her family, she left the 
familiarity of her North Carolina home in 1964 and moved to Newark, New 
Jersey, and began a new life. Hard work has been the hallmark of Mary 
Alice's life, and to ensure the best life possible for her two 
daughters, she worked in a number of positions in hospitals and jails, 
and as a domestic. Her hard work enabled her daughters to pursue their 
goals, and both remain grateful to her for her sacrifices on their 
behalf. Mary Alice joined the New Hope Baptist Church right away after 
arriving in the North. Next to her family, her Church is her greatest 
love and forms the core of her life. For 35 years she has been active 
in its life, including being President of the Pastor's Aide Club from 
1972 to 1993. She was honored to be named Mother of the Church, a 
position from which she inspires the lives of the young members of the 
Church and brings joy to her friends as well.
  The home of Mary Alice is a central gathering place for family and 
friends alike. Her hospitality and living personality have brought 
people together for many years, with the most important moments: 
graduations, birthdays, holidays, church and community celebration--
spent at Mary Alice's Her legendary cooking, particularly sweet potato 
pie and coconut cake, has been attracting family and friends alike for 
a lifetime.
  Most important, in addition to being a role model for members of the 
community, she has been a devoted, supportive mother to her two 
children, Mary Lee and Susan; her four loving grandchildren, Loretta, 
Janice, Shawn and Samantha; and a new great-grandmother to Janesha.
  As a loving family member, generous friend, and inspiring community 
member, Mary Alice Carter is greatly appreciated and loved by so many 
as she celebrates her 80th Birthday.
  Mr. Speaker, as Mary Alice Carter's family and friends gather to 
honor her, let us join in sending our best wishes for a Happy 80th 
Birthday and many joyful times ahead.

                          ____________________