[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E158-E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO MRS. LOLA GIBBS, EDUCATOR, COMMUNITY LEADER, AND ROLE MODEL, 
                         ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, It is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to honor and pay tribute to a leader in the African-American community 
and Delaware at large for her 100th birthday on March 30, 2002--Mrs. 
Lola Gibbs, a life-long teacher, leader and role model. Lola Gibbs is 
an outstanding, dedicated and caring Delawarean with an abundance of 
accomplishments that speak so highly of what she has done in the first 
100 years of her life. On behalf of myself, and the citizens of the 
First State, I would like to honor

[[Page E159]]

this outstanding individual and extend to her our congratulations on 
the first 100 years, and continued success for the rest of her life.
  Today, I recognize Lola Gibbs for her contributions to the State of 
Delaware and its citizens through 47 years of teaching, 55 years as a 
4-H club leader and 100 years as a role model.
  Family, friends and all Delawareans can now take a moment to truly 
appreciate the world of difference Lola Gibbs has brought to both the 
African-American community, and all of Delaware. Lola Gibbs began 
teaching in 1922, began her first 4-H club several years later and 
began her second 4-H club in the early 1940's. Mrs. Gibbs was appointed 
President of the Kent County Teachers Association in 1969 before taking 
on volunteer work in The Eastern Star, AARP The Woman's Auxiliary of 
the Smyrna Home for the Chronically Ill, and Star Hill Church.
  Lola Gibbs has spent all of her life helping the community and all of 
Delaware. Mrs. Gibbs graduated from State College in 1922 before 
attending West Chester Normal. Mrs. Gibbs was then appointed to teach 
at Reeves Crossing School where she initiated a program that taught 
children music and allowed them to hold concerts in order to raise 
extra money for books. After her tenure at Reeves Crossing, Mrs. Gibbs 
moved back to her hometown school, Woodside. On June 9th, 1931 Mrs. 
Gibbs, ne Bowers, married Edward Gibbs.
  Mr. Speaker, in the past, with the help of her husband, and today 
with the help of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, 
Lola Gibbs and her family proudly and unselfishly contribute every day 
to the lives of Delawareans.
  Mrs. Lola Gibbs' contributions cannot be commended enough. As she 
reaches 100 years of life, we can be sure that her contributions will 
not end. Her commitment to educating children and making life better 
for all Delawareans has earned her a permanent place in Delaware's 
history.

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