[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO DEBORAH MARICA CLEMONTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2006

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Deborah Marica 
Clemonts one of my most deserving constituents who is being honored as 
Small Business Owner of the Year by the Roanoke Valley Chamber of 
Commerce.
  Deborah Clemonts is a small business owner in Halifax County who owns 
a beauty shop, barber shop, restaurant and has held the food service 
contract for Halifax Community College and the local community Adult 
Day Care for the past 3 years. Many of the special events that I have 
held in my Weldon Congressional Office have been catered by Deborah so 
I know first hand of her impressive, conscientious, professional work.
  With all of the activity associated with managing these businesses, 
Deborah still finds the time to dedicate to the youth of First Baptist 
Church in Weldon, North Carolina, where the dynamic Reverend Quientrell 
Burrell is the pastor. Deborah is responsible for all of the youth-
related activities of the church which include the Youth Choir, Junior 
Usher Board and the First Baptist Church Praise Dancers. I have learned 
that any evening of the week you can see Deborah driving around in the 
First Baptist Church van picking up and dropping off children or taking 
them to the Pizza Hut treating them to a pizza before turning them back 
over to their parents. Deborah is compassionate about the community 
youth and is trying to do her part in assisting in their growth as 
grounded, productive citizens. Mr. Speaker, I have learned that the 
youth have a special affection for Deborah such that they often 
willingly confide in her and look to her for advice and counsel with 
many of the problems that they are forced to confront daily. Whenever 
there is an opportunity, Deborah hires some of the youth to assist her 
with restaurant-related activities and takes every opportunity to 
mentor them about work ethic, professionalism and the importance of 
putting their best foot forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I know the Clemonts family well and I know that 
Deborah's father, Reverend James Clemonts would be so proud of this 
honor bestowed upon her by the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce. I 
know that none of what Deborah has accomplished was easy. But in spite 
of the many obstacles, Deborah pressed on and I wish her continued 
success. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to one of the pillars in the First Congressional District, Ms. Deborah 
Marica Clemonts.

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