[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E244-E245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO AUNT EUNICE MERRELL

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2004

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to honor the memory of Eunice Merrell, known affectionately as Aunt 
Eunice to everyone that knew her. Aunt Eunice passed away last week at 
the age of 84.
  Aunt Eunice was the proprietor and host at Eunice's Country Kitchen. 
There you could find friendly faces and good down-home cooking. In 
addition to the best biscuits in North Alabama, Aunt Eunice never met a 
stranger. She loved every one of her customers and especially her 
community. Her restaurant was in business for over 50 years.
  Mr. Speaker, there was no place like Eunice's Country Kitchen. It was 
a part of local legend. At Eunice's, people from all walks of life at 
all stages of life, were welcomed.
  I considered Aunt Eunice a close friend and trusted advisor. She was 
the type of person

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who would speak her mind and report what other people were saying about 
the issues, not what she thought you wanted to hear. She could always 
be counted on to give honest opinions on developments, controversies, 
and issues in the community. I believe that Aunt Eunice was part of the 
unique fabric that makes North Alabama such a wonderful place to live, 
work, and raise a family. She will be deeply missed.
  Aunt Eunice is survived by her sisters Naomi Johnson and Elizabeth 
Lyon, brother John Jenkins, son Joseph, daughters Doris Elkins and 
Linda Sledge, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as 
countless friends and admirers. My thoughts and prayers are with them 
all.

                          ____________________