[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING MRS. MARY EDITH BROWN COLEMAN ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor 
that I congratulate Mrs. Mary Edith Brown Coleman on a momentous 
milestone, her 90th birthday, which will be on February 13, 2007. Edith 
will be celebrating this milestone with family and friends on Saturday, 
February 10, 2007, at her home in Schererville, Indiana. Throughout the 
past 67 years, Edith's presence in Northwest Indiana has allowed her 
the opportunity to touch the lives of countless people.
  Edith Brown was born on February 13, 1917 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She 
was one of four children born to Luther Albert Brown and Dora Rozolia 
Draper Brown. Having gone on to live in Kansas City, Kansas and 
Chicago, Illinois, Edith finally relocated to Gary, Indiana in 1940. 
Quite the accomplished student, Edith c6mpleted her Bachelor of Science 
and Master of Science degrees in education at Indiana University in 
Bloomington. From there, she decided to go into the teaching 
profession. As a teacher at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in 
Gary for over 27 years, Edith was able to enrich the lives of so many 
young people in the Gary community. For her commitment to the youth of 
Northwest Indiana, she is worthy of the highest praise.
  Equally as impressive, Edith has always been seen as the foundation 
of her family. She and her husband, the late William Henry Coleman, 
were blessed with the births of two wonderful children: Norma Louise 
Coleman and Merle Jean Coleman. Edith's family, as well as those whose 
lives she has touched, admire her for devoting unselfish love, time, 
dedication, guidance, and spirit to her family, her students, and her 
friends.
  As well as being dearly loved and respected by her family, her 
students, and her community, Edith is also well known for her 
involvement with her church, the First Church of God in Gary, and 
several other organizations. For years, Edith has been a distinguished 
member of the American Association of University Women, the Women's 
Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society, the Red Hat 
Society, and the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Since her arrival in 
Northwest Indiana, Edith has always been known as a good-hearted woman 
who is always willing to help the people in her community. For her 
selflessness, she is to be commended and admired.
  Madam Speaker, Mary Edith Brown Coleman has always given her time and 
efforts selflessly to the youth and the community in Northwest Indiana 
throughout her illustrious life. She has taught every member of her 
family and extended family the true meaning of service to others. I 
respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me 
in wishing Edith a very happy 90th birthday.

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