[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E23]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO MRS. HELEN DOBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my dear 
friend, Mrs. Helen Dobson, who passed away on December 8, 2002.
  Helen will be missed by all of us, but her memories will last forever 
in our hearts. She was a beautiful flower whose fragrance permeated her 
surroundings. Her songbird voice soothed the souls of many and brought 
joy to our hearts. Helen's untiring efforts on behalf of our community 
never went unnoticed, as she gave unselfishly of herself to meet the 
needs of others time and time again.
  One of my fondest of many memories, is when Helen surprised me by 
singing ``Happy Birthday'' and inviting the congregation to join in, 
during a Sunrise Prayer Service at Central Baptist Church, in 
conjunction with a visit to my hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, by 
former U. S. Secretary of Transportation, Rodney E. Slater. Secretary 
Slater was in awe of Helen's beautiful voice, as she sang her favorite 
song, ``If I Can Help Somebody, Then My Living Shall Not Be In Vain.''
  I will never forget Helen's efforts on my behalf and the support she 
gave me throughout the years. I pray that Helen's memories will live 
forever in our hearts. It is for certain that, ``Helen's Living Shall 
Not Be In Vain'' and the West Virginia Hills are alive with the sound 
of her music.

                          ____________________