[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MATTIE MARIE FRANKLIN MARSHALL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2003

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute today 
to one of Texas' truly outstanding citizens, Mattie Marie Franklin 
Marshall. As we recognize her 70 years of service to our State's 
education and her multitude of contributions to our community, I would 
like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements of this 
great woman.
  Mattie Marie Franklin Marshall has devoted her entire life to the 
great State of Texas. Her life has been spent serving her fellow man--
teaching, counseling, leading, advising, guiding, and nurturing.
  She was born in Washington, Texas. Her father passed away when she 
was only two, but her mother watched her work her way upward despite 
many difficult obstacles.
  Mattie continued the legacy of her sisters Ellie O. Laster, Anna M. 
Taylor, and Susie L. Jingles by becoming an educator. She began her 
adult life by working hard and knew success meant accepting life's 
challenges. She remained an educator for 35 years until she retired 
from the school system in 1977.
  Following her retirement, Mattie broadened her public service from 
the school system to the greater community.
  She was actively involved in the Girl Scouts of America, Young 
Women's Christian Association, the Friendly Neighborhood Club, 
Philodendron Garden Club, the Chanelle Club, and a Life Member of the 
Erma D. Leroy Club.
  One of the highlights of her life was the organization of Fifth Ward 
Baptist Church. She was a founding member of the committee that 
organized the church and served as its first recording secretary. She 
has served her church with dedication for the last 59 years. In honor 
of her tireless efforts on behalf of the Fifth Ward Baptist Church, its 
library was renamed the Mattie M.F. Marshall Library in June 2003.
  Just as significant as all of Mattie's achievements is the spirit of 
community service she represents. Her willingness to help individual 
community members of our society as a whole is what makes her 
especially deserving of our recognition and praise.
  The spirit of service she actively portrays is something we see far 
too little of in this society. And we all would do well to follow the 
shining example that Mattie Marshall has given us.
  I know that Mattie will continue to play an important role in our 
community for years to come, and that America will continue to benefit 
from her dedication and service.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me in saluting Mattie M.F. Marshall and in 
applauding this remarkable citizen for all she has done, and for all 
she has meant to those of us whose lives she has touched.

                          ____________________