[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO REABER NELL LUCAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, although death is a part of 
life, often times it becomes difficult to accept. Last week, Ms. Reaber 
Lucas, a dear friend of mine, passed away. Ms. Lucas was born on July 
4th, 1946 in Amite County, MS to Willie, Sr. and Ora Lee Wesley Harden 
Lucas, who both preceded her in death.
  Reaber graduated from Bettye Mae Jack High School in Morton, MS and 
attended Milwaukee Area Technical College where she studied Social 
Work. Later she attended Jackson State University majoring in 
Accounting. Utilizing her background in Accounting and Social Work, 
Reaber served as Branch Director, Division of Community Services for 
the State of Mississippi Department of Human Services, until her 
retirement in 1997. Reaber thoroughly enjoyed serving as a community 
activist as an active member of the Hinds County Federation of 
Democratic Women and the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People.
  Reaber devoted her life to Christ at an early age, and joined Rose 
Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Meadville, MS. After the family moved 
to Morton, MS, she joined Christian Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. 
While Reaber lived in Milwaukee, WI, she became a member of St. 
Matthews Methodist Church. After relocating to Jackson, MS, she 
continued to be faithful to God and became a member of New Hope Baptist 
Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Jerry Young, where she 
continued to serve until her death.
  One of the many attributes Reaber possessed, was her ability to 
empower and organize. Reaber's energetic work ethic and responsibility 
to her community was the primary reason for many of the African-
American elected officials, myself included, currently representing 
Jackson, Mississippi. Reaber believed that African-Americans should 
have a voice and the only way to insure that was to help them exercise 
their right to vote.
  Mr. Speaker, it's only fitting that I recognized Ms. Lucas during 
Black History Month. Without her assistance, I can't be certain that I 
would be here today as a Member of Congress. Reaber was an asset to her 
family, community, city and state. She will be truly missed.

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