[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JOHN ANDERSON CREWS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2001

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very 
special person, Mr. John Anderson Crews, who serves as a source of 
inspiration to his family and many friends.
  John Anderson Crews of Newark, New Jersey, celebrated his 98th year 
of life on February 3, 2001. He was honored at a gala hosted by his two 
daughters, Maria Crews-Minatee and Betty Crews-McNeil. Some 175 family 
members, guests and friends shared this event at his home congregation, 
Mount Zion Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
  Born in Vance County, Henderson, North Carolina, he came to Newark at 
the age of twenty (20). He married the late Maude E. Epps in 1925 and 
they raised three children. During World War II Mr. Crews was employed 
at Wright Aeronautical in Paterson, NJ, as an airplane engine 
assembler. He retired from the Pennsylvania Railroad after twenty-one 
years as an assigned laborer.
  John Crews has always led a busy life over his ninety-eight years. He 
is well known as an avid fisherman who taught many people the art of 
good fishing. For many years he served as the official filetier during 
the annual Fishing Derby at Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 
In addition, John Crews has been the mechanic who generously repaired 
cars for family and friends.
  He stays abreast of current events through his daily routine of 
reading all sections of the local newspaper. Family and visitors are 
frequently challenged by his thorough knowledge of family history and 
what's happening today.
  Mr. Crews, the living legend has been a member of Mount Zion Baptist 
Church since 1923, so it was only fitting that his birthday celebration 
be held at his church home. He served as church sexton, superintendent 
of the Baptist Young People's Union and an ordained deacon.
  The immediate family of John A. Crews extends through five 
generations with two children, three grandchildren, three great-
grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

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