[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF JANE EVELYN MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2004

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the 
life of Mrs. Jane Evelyn Mitchell, who passed away on Saturday, 
November 13, 2004, at her home in Wilmington, Delaware.
  Jane Mitchell led an exemplary life, which she devoted to her 
husband, her family, and our community. Jane was a trailblazer in the 
health care industry in Delaware, breaking through the racial barriers 
that permeated many industries throughout her lifetime. Earning her 
nursing degree from the University of Delaware, Jane became the first 
African-American registered nurse in our State. In 1969, Jane also 
became the first African-American to be named Delaware's nursing 
director. She served as president of the state Board of Nursing and as 
vice president of the Delaware Nurses Association. Jane's dedication to 
providing her patients with compassionate service and her refusal to be 
stifled by the day's racial prejudices, enabled her to forge a new path 
for minority women. Jane opened the door for thousands of young African 
American women, many of whom provide an immeasurable benefit to our 
State through their service in the health care industry today.
  Jane's service to her fellow citizens knew no limitations. She was a 
dedicated partner to her husband of 61 years, Littleton ``Lit'' 
Mitchell, in the fight to provide equality for every individual. She 
was the recipient of numerous honors and awards, but if you were to ask 
her, I am sure she would say that the true measure of her success can 
not be found on plaques, certificates, or even building facades, but on 
the face of the people whose lives she has touched in some way.
  Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I have the opportunity to honor the 
life of a true humanitarian and force for social change. Jane Evelyn 
Mitchell's devotion to her fellow citizens was truly amazing, and she 
deserves our utmost respect, and appreciation.

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