[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO MOTHER DAVIS

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                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to take this opportunity to 
share with my colleagues in Congress the news that Mrs. Hester Rachel 
Wallis Davis celebrated her 106th birthday on this past Easter Sunday, 
March 31, 2002.
  Mrs. Davis, a resident of Missouri's First Congressional District, 
was born in Tennessee in the year 1896. She moved to St. Louis at the 
age of 16. Six years ago, on her 100th birthday, Willard Scott 
recognized her on the NBC Today Show and she was honored by the Mayor 
of St. Louis, Freeman Bosley, Jr. Later that same year, Mrs. Davis 
suffered an illness that required two brain surgeries. She recovered 
and continues to be alert and keeping up with current events.
  Mrs. Davis is the oldest and most cherished living member of the 
Temple Church of Christ in St. Louis. And although her eyesight is 
failing and she can no longer read the Bible, she has a prodigious 
memory which supports her interpretations and pronouncements. ``Mother 
Davis'' as she is known by those who share her life, enjoys company and 
always has words of encouragement and prayers for her visitors. I am 
told that Hester Davis remembers the joys and challenges of youth and 
is always empathetic and supportive of the younger generations. The 
staff of the B-J-C Medical Center have expressed astonishment at Mrs. 
Davis' youthful appearance, her lack of some of the ailments attributed 
to aging, her pleasant attitude and her communication skills.
  Mrs. Davis has had to curtail some activities in recent years, she is 
no longer able to visit the jail where she brought encouragement to the 
incarcerated. Today, she counts her doctors, lawyers, pastor and 
friends among her family. She is a genuine inspiration to all who have 
come to know her and she will be forever remembered as one of the most 
adored and beloved members of the St. Louis community.
  I salute Mrs. Hester Rachel Wallis Davis for her outstanding 
commitment to life. She is certainly a remarkable women of strength, 
determination and spirit who is an inspiration to many generations.

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