[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE FOR SALLIE SLAUGHTER-GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Sallie 
Slaughter-Gardner. I believe that it is fitting for public officials to 
celebrate those individuals whose life story can serve as a model for 
us all.
  Mr. Speaker, Sallie Slaughter-Gardner was born on February 26, 1916, 
in an era very different than the one to which we are accustomed. 
Because her family needed Sallie to work in the cotton fields, she was 
not afforded the opportunity to complete a formal education. She was, 
however, blessed with a pleasant disposition, a commitment to her 
family, and a devotion to her community.
  On January 23, 1932, Sallie was united in Holy Matrimony to Dozier 
Gardner. After the birth of her first child, Willie Clifford, the 
Gardner family emigrated from her birthplace of Buena Vista, Georgia to 
Brooklyn, New York, an area I am now privileged to represent in the 
United States Congress. ``Aunt Sallie,'' as she was affectionately 
known, quickly adapted to her new surroundings, and, during the 
historical African American migration to the North, Sallie opened her 
home to the needy, providing hot meals, shelter, and good will to all.
  Sallie Slaughter-Gardner made her family and her church the focus of 
her life. Sallie began her Christian walk in the Baptist Church. Later, 
she joined the Evergreen Church of God in Christ, where she accepted 
Christ as her Personal Savior under the leadership of Elder Eugene 
Williams, the founder of the Church. Sallie was a member of the 
hospitality club, the mother's board, and was president of the usher 
board of the church. Her sumptuous apple and sweet potato pies became 
mainstays among the congregation, and indeed, she was known for her 
generosity and kind heart. Until her death at the age of eighty-six, 
Sallie guided parishioners to their seat and imbued them with her 
warmth.
  Sallie was known as a spiritual lady with a heart of gold. Her sweet 
disposition was most clearly demonstrated when she cared for a neighbor 
stricken with a crippling illness. Her neighbor, bitter over her 
ailment, alienated all who attempted to care for her. But Sallie was 
not deterred and she cooked, cleaned, and cared for this woman.
  Mr. Speaker, as part of the Evergreen Church of God in Christ's 58th 
Church Anniversary, the Church is in the process of memorializing this 
incredible individual. Sallie always said ``Let my life speak for me.''
  Mr. Speaker, her life truly speaks volumes to us and shows us the 
kind of conduct befitting all of God's children.

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