[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO CATHERINE WATTS-COLEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Catherine Watts-Coleman in 
recognition of her contribution to her family and her community.
  Catherine, a native of North Carolina, relocated to Brooklyn with her 
parents and two siblings after receiving her high school diploma from 
the Morningside High School in Statesville, North Carolina. Upon 
arriving in Brooklyn, Catherine enrolled in the Central School for 
Practicing Nursing. After graduating, she went on to work at the Harlem 
Eye and Ear Hospital, Lutheran Hospital, and Sheephead Bay Nursing 
Home.
  In 1950, Catherine married the late Bryant Coleman and was blessed 
with two wonderful children, Wayne and Lance. In rearing her children, 
she became more active in the Brooklyn community. Her motto is 
``parents must be actively involved in the social, educational, and 
spiritual life of their children in order for them to grow up and 
become responsible contributing members of society.''
  Catherine grew up in a caring, loving and spiritual household and she 
continues to always put God first in her life. Her daily meditation 
includes the 23rd and 121st Psalms, and the 14th Chapter of St. John. 
With that commitment to her community, she continues to be a tithing 
member of her childhood church, the Church of the Living God in 
Statesville, North Carolina, and alternates weekly worship between 
Nazarene Temple and Faith Holy Churches in Brooklyn.
  Today, Catherine is a happy retiree who continues to reach out and 
touch the lives of others by happily volunteering her time. One of her 
greatest joys is talking about her six grandchildren, Zuri, Maurice, 
Larissa, Lauren, Lance Jr., and Latrice. She is also proud of her 
daughter-in-laws, nieces, and nephews who are an integral part of her 
life.
  Mr. Speaker, Catherine Watts-Coleman has devoted her life to serving 
her family and her community. As such, she is more than worthy of 
receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this truly remarkable woman.

                          ____________________