[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MRS. ODELL KINNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2003

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a citizen 
who exemplified the spirit of self-reliance and a concern for others 
that we can all learn from. Mrs. Odell Kinney was a pillar of society, 
particularly among her community in Cleveland, OH.
  Mrs. Kinney gained a well-founded reputation for taking in children 
of the neighborhood and dedicating her time to the development of her 
community for over 30 years. She made a lifelong commitment to raising 
18 children who loved and admired her dearly. She was also a daycare 
provider for over 20 years.
  Her dedication to children has inspired the Odell Kinney Scholarship 
Fund. The goal of the Odell Kinney Scholarship Fund is to award an 
annual scholarship in the amount of $1000 to a deserving student.
  Among her abundant contributions to society, Mrs. Kinney was a member 
of the PTA, a persistent entrepreneur, an active member of the Lee/
Harvard Ward Club and served as President of her street club for 10 
years. She provided food baskets to the needy on an ongoing basis, 
served as a church missionary and a Bible school teacher.
  There are hundreds of individuals, if not thousands whose lives Mrs. 
Kinney touched in a beautiful way. They will never be the same again:
  ``They don't make 'em like Odell anymore,'' said Mr. Simmons, a 
childhood friend.
  ``She had a beautiful spirit,'' said business partner, Brenda 
McCants.
  ``She was at the top of her game, committed and dedicated to the 
community and came from a great generation of black women,'' said 
Cleveland Councilman Joe Jones.
  The biggest commitment she made was the love of God and God's 
children. In essence, Mrs. Odell Kinney had a heart as big as Texas. 
The lingering effects of her good work will last forever.

                          ____________________