[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO MRS. GRACE WEST-PAYNE

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mrs. Grace West-Payne, who 
was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on September 4, 1902 in recognition 
of her 100th birthday celebration.
  Once Mrs. West-Payne completed her elementary education, she worked 
as a domestic helper and married Mr. Thomas Payne. They moved to 
Brooklyn, New York over sixty years ago, where she continued her trade 
as a domestic worker.
  Mrs. Grace West-Payne is an active member of Bethel Baptist Church. 
Her hobbies include singing and reading. Her favorite song is: ``If it 
wasn't for him (God) I'd be nothing.'' Mrs. Grace West-Payne also has a 
favorite saying: ``Let Good Girls Be Good and Boys Be Good''.
  Mr. Speaker. Mrs. West-Payne, who now resides at the Marcus Garvey 
Nursing Home, has devoted her life to serving her family and being a 
community leader, and as such, she is more than worthy of receiving 
recognition today.

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