[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 140 (Monday, October 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1962-E1963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MRS. MARIA LOUISE BROOKS JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2002

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate 
the accomplishments of Mrs. Maria Louise Brooks Jones, a resident of 
Philadelphia for more than fifty years. ``Mom Jones'' as she is 
affectionately called, has been a blessing to many in the great city of 
brotherly love. She is a wife, mother of nine children, grandmother of 
twenty-six, great-grandmother of seventeen, and an adopted ``mother'' 
to a host of children and grandchildren that have claimed her 
throughout many years. Mom Jones gained some of these ``children'' 
because encouraging others is her way of life. The people in her 
community know that they can get assistance from her in the form of 
prayer, clothing, or shelter.
  Mrs. Jones joined the church at an early age, and from Richmond, VA 
via Baltimore, MD joined Second Pilgrim Baptist Church in Philadelphia 
under the pastorate of the late Rev. R. L. Thomas. At Second Pilgrim 
Baptist Church, she has actively served as a member of the Combined 
Mass Choir and held various offices on the Jones Gospel Chorus, Senior 
Choir, Hospitality Ministry, Nurses Ministry, Widows' Ministry, Youth 
Supervisor, and the Delaware Valley Hospitality Circle.
  Mom Jones is an activist and leader in the education of children both 
in and around her community and church. She worked in the public and 
private schools of Philadelphia for over fifty years, and remains 
active in the private sector to this day. As far as she is concerned, 
she'll help educate children as long as children need to be educated.

[[Page E1963]]

  Mrs. Jones is a true lady, full of grace, honor, and respect. She has 
lived a life of honor and service. Along with her family, friends, and 
community, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in wishing Mrs. Jones a happy 77th birthday and commending her on 
her multiple accomplishments.

                          ____________________