[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 11 (Friday, January 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO FRANCES WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 19, 2007

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise in mourning for one 
of Philadelphia's most well-known and loved moms. ``Mom'' Frances 
Williams, a mother of five sons and a civic leader in her own right, 
left us to go home on January 12, 2007 at the age of 94.
  Born in Philadelphia on February 7, 1912, ``Mom'' was a devoted 
member of Mount Zion Baptist Church since the age of 12, and over the 
years generously contributed her time and talents to the church. As a 
member of the Mt. Zion family, she was the longest serving president of 
the Young Women's Industrial Club and initiated the first ``Get Set'' 
program for children in the church.
  ``Mom'' was considered a surrogate mother to countless young people 
she mentored over the decades. Many can attest to having found their 
first jobs with the help of ``Mom'' Williams. Numerous young people 
entered college and joined the church because of her guidance. She 
often went into her pocketbook, cupboard, and closet to help someone 
else.
  She served her community and city as a block captain, committee 
person and civic leader. Later in life, she directed her energy towards 
helping seniors in need. She was a member of many organizations and 
boards. ``Mom'' founded and served as president of Save Our Senior and 
Concerned Citizens. She served as a board member of the Philadelphia 
Corporation of Aging and commissioner on the Philadelphia Commission of 
Human Relations.
  ``Mom'' ran for City Council At-Large in 1979 on a platform that 
pledged housing programs for seniors, crime-reduction programs, and 
initiatives to serve and empower at risk youth and people with 
disabilities. She also gave our city two generations of leaders in her 
son former State Sen. Hard Williams and grandson State Sen. Anthony 
Hardy Williams.
  In March 1999, article in the Philadelphia New Observer she explains 
``It's all very simple. Keep yourself clean and if something makes you 
sick, don't eat it. Tell the truth and don't follow the crowd. Most of 
all have faith.''
  She is survived by one sister, Ruth Lacy of Philadelphia; five sons: 
James Williams (Gloria) of Blackwood, NJ; Hardy Williams, Fredrick A. 
Williams (Ernestine); Theodore; and Ali Robinson (Ramona) of 
Philadelphia; one niece, Vivian Whitt; one nephew, Carl Lacy, both 
Philadelphia,; twenty one grandchildren; numerous great and great, 
great grandchildren; and a host of grand and great grand nieces and 
nephews.
  I know that all my colleagues will join me in honoring her memory 
today.

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