[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CELEBRATING MS. ODIE RICH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LINCOLN DAVIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2005

  Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few 
minutes to recognize a remarkable woman and Pickett County, Tennessee's 
oldest known living resident.
  Ms. Odie (Riley) Rich was born on December 10, 1901 in Pickett 
County, where she has lived all her life. Ms. Rich is the daughter of 
the late William and Irene Riley.
  Ms. Odie married A.L. Rich on December 23, 1923 when she was 22-
years-old. When asked by her granddaughter, Paula Perry, in the local 
newspaper, where her wedding dress came from, Ms. Rich replied ``I made 
it myself.''
  Mr. and Mrs. Rich raised several children, Dorthena Price, Paul Rich 
(deceased), Eladean Tompkins, Jack Rich, Morris Rich, Odell Rich, and 
Carolyn Long. She has 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 3 
great-great grandchildren.
  Ms. Odie is a wonderful witness to history and the times. She 
remembers when women first got the right to vote, having voted for the 
first time herself in 1921. The first vehicle her and her husband owned 
was a 1941 Chevy truck. Up until then, they traveled by horse or mule. 
When asked how she rode with a dress on, she commented ``Why, side 
saddle of course!'' However, she never learned to drive an automobile. 
She remarked that if she ever learned that she would have been a speed 
demon.
  Today, Ms. Rich still lives on the old home place and loves to do 
gardening and canning. Ms. Rich is an endearing character that has 
provided insight into the past all the while bringing joy and happiness 
to her loved ones and neighbors. May God continue to bless Ms. Odie 
Rich.

                          ____________________