[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 42 (Monday, March 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO THELMA CLARK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 12, 2007

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a community 
activist that touched many lives throughout her 79 years as a resident 
of Youngstown, Ohio. Thelma Clark, who was born in Youngstown on August 
15, 1927, passed away this past October. Mrs. Clark graduated from The 
Rayen School and later went on to graduate from the Choffin School of 
Nursing as a licensed practical nurse. She worked at Northside as well 
as Southside Hospital, but Thelma Clark's career as a nurse is not what 
her family and friends will think of when reminiscing about her life.
  Thelma Clark's most significant and lasting impact on the Youngstown 
community came through her many organization memberships and dedication 
to those organizations. Maybe no better example of this was her 
steadfast faith and love of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, to which she 
was a member for 63 years. Thelma served as the secretary for the 
church for 25 years and also played an important role as the official 
church historian.
  Through her constant commitment to urban development and advancement 
of African Americans in the community, Thelma Clark was a shining 
example to her many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 
Mrs. Clark was a member of the local branch of the NAACP for 52 years 
and served as 2nd vice president of the organization for many of those 
years. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women while 
also serving as a co-chairperson of the Annual Negro College Fund 
Banquets.
  These are just a few of the many activities that became intrinsically 
connected to the life of Thelma Clark. In addition, Mrs. Clark was a 
member of the Pink Carnation Club, treasurer of the McGuffey Football 
Boosters Club, and a member of the Parent Booster Club of the Boy 
Scouts.
  Learning about people like Thelma Clark and the proactive and 
selfless life that she led, gives me a great sense of inspiration and 
optimism for the future of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. The 
scope of Thelma Clark's influence on current and future generations is 
immeasurable, and I am deeply honored to have represented her.

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