[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF EMMA FAUST TILLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay great 
honor to Mrs. Emma Faust Tillman, who passed away on January 28, 2007. 
Mrs. Tillman, a longtime resident of the Hartford area, was the oldest 
known living peson prior to her death at 114 years of age. Though her 
reign lasted only 4 days, the legacy of her life can provide 
inspiration to us all.
  Born November 22, 1892 in Gibsonville, North Carolina, Mrs. Tillman 
was one of 23 siblings. Her parents, former slaves, moved Mrs. Tillman 
and her family to Glastonbury, Connecticut in 1900. After graduating 
high school in 1909 as the only black student in her class, Mrs. 
Tillman went on to work as a cook, maid, and party caterer, eventually 
owning her own catering service and baking for many of Hartford's 
notable residents, including Hartford Hospital's Dr. Thomas Hepburn, 
father of legendary actress Katharine Hepburn. She wed Arthur Tillman 
in 1914 and they had 2 daughters before his death in 1939.
  Deeply religious from a young age, Mrs. Tillman became involved with 
her church memberships. After being christened at age 13, she began 
singing in her church choir, an activity in which she was engaged in 
for over 80 years. A longtime member of the A.M.E. Zion Church in 
Hartford, she was considered the ``mother of the church'' by Rev. Terry 
L. Jones, not only for her ripe age, but also for her fervent faith. 
When commenting on the longevity of her life, Mrs. Tillman would always 
credit ``God's will.''
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 
life of Emma Faust Tillman. In her 114 years, she deeply touched and 
inspired those who knew her, and those who have heard her tremendous 
story. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family, in 
particular, her surviving daughter Marjorie. The Hartford community is 
thankful for the honor of knowing Emma Faust Tillman.

                          ____________________