[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E631-E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MATTIE M. HOLLIMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2001

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly 
outstanding woman who did so much in our community to help those who 
are less fortunate. If only there were more people like Mattie M. 
Holliman; then this world would be a better place. I am saddened to 
report that Mattie passed away on March 9 after a brief illness. This 
lady, known as ``Mother Holliman'' in our community, leaves behind an 
outstanding legacy.
  During her 79 years, Mattie was a tireless worker who looked out for 
others who were

[[Page E632]]

homeless, hungry or unemployed. Sitting still was a concept that was 
unknown to Mattie. If there was a community issue to be addressed then 
Mattie would organize a community meeting with local officials to 
discuss the issues. She had a special way of bringing people together 
to solve problems. She was an organizer with an empathetic soul, and 
she was as much at home with her Mayor or Senator as she was with the 
homeless person sleeping under the freeway.
  For 16 years she worked as a certified social worker at the Sheldon 
Complex. But her work didn't stop when she turned off the lights and 
closed the door at the office. Mattie was always doing something to 
help somebody or some cause. In addition to her job at the Sheldon 
Complex, she was the founder of two grassroots organizations, Community 
Volunteers Agency and the Men's Supportive Task Force.
  Mattie's dedication and work did not go unnoticed in our community, 
which is evident by the numerous awards she received for her efforts in 
community service. Among her many honors were the United Way's 
Volunteer of the Year Award, YWCA Tribute, Giants Award, NAACP Award, 
and in 1993 she was recognized by President Clinton for being the first 
inductee into the Creative Communications Centres Women's Hall of Fame.
  All of us who knew Mattie Holliman are thankful for the opportunity 
to have shared in her life. Her leadership, thoughtfulness, and caring 
ways will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She 
was a remarkable woman with a heart of gold who did so much for so many 
during her lifetime.

                          ____________________