[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DR. MILDRED L. ALDRIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today with a heavy heart, 
as I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in honoring the 
life and accomplishments of a remarkable woman, Dr. Mildred L. 
Aldridge. Dr. Aldridge passed away on Thursday, September 22. I am 
deeply saddened by this loss, for Mildred and the Aldridge family have 
been inspirations to many throughout the city of Flint, as well as the 
county, State and Nation.
  It is difficult to imagine my hometown of Flint, MI, without Dr. 
Mildred Aldridge's influence. Married for 54 years to the late Reverend 
Dr. Avery Aldridge, she stood at her husband's side, helping found Foss 
Avenue Baptist Church on December 2, 1956. In addition to her many 
duties and responsibilities at the church, Mildred served as instructor 
of the Adult Ladies' Fellowship Class, which in the past 23 years grew 
from 5 participants to 125. Under her leadership, the class sponsors an 
Annual Autumn Tea and Music Recital, a drive to collect eyeglasses for 
needy people in the Caribbean and South Africa, and medical supplies 
for various missions in Africa. Mildred also operated as coordinator 
for the Youth and Young Adult retreats, and the New Year's Eve retreat.
  Professionally, Mildred was a graduate of the University of Michigan 
and Eastern Michigan University. She received advanced training in 
administration and curriculum from Michigan State University and 
received honorary doctorates from Arkansas Baptist College and Selma 
University. She worked as an elementary school teacher, middle school 
guidance counselor, and was the principal of Doyle Rider Community 
School. Later she became director of Eagle's Nest Child Care & 
Development Center as well as administrative assistant and coordinator 
for Foss Avenue Baptist Church Enterprises. Mildred was a proud member 
of the NAACP, Urban League, C.S. Mott Community College Foundation 
Advisory Board, Visually Impaired Center of Flint Board, Flint Congress 
of School Administrators, and National Association of Elementary School 
Principals.
  Dr. Aldridge leaves to cherish and carry on her legacy her son, Rev. 
Derek Aldridge, daughter Karen Aldridge-Eason, and 10 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
offering condolences to the family of Dr. Mildred Aldridge, and in 
thanking them for sharing her with our community. The greatest tribute 
we can render to her is to emulate her love, her dedication, her 
humility, and her Christ-centered strength.

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