[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 155 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO MARY LEE SLATER, A LIFE OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CARING AND 
                                PROMISE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 15, 2007

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I 
rise today to pay tribute to the late Mary Lee Slater, a mother of 
four, and grandmother to an only grandson. She died on Tuesday, October 
9, 2007 and will be buried this Friday October 19, 2007 at Bethany 
Seventh Day Adventist Church in Miami, Florida where she was a member 
for many years.
  Born on March 1, 1935 to the late Murdic and Illinois Jordan in 
Soperton, Georgia, she was the oldest of four siblings: James, Elvin, 
Floyd and Randolph. She moved to Miami, Florida with her family where 
she attended public schools, graduating from Booker T. Washington High 
School in 1953. She attended Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.
  Mary worked in the insurance industry for more than 30 years as an 
agent for such companies as Atlanta Life and American General. Because 
of her outstanding professionalism, work ethic and dedication to her 
career, she received numerous honors and awards including National 
Sales Achievement Award and Outstanding Sales Achievement Recognition.
  Effectively balancing work and family, Mary was the dedicated mother 
of four loving children, Michael, Ronald, Surette and Illka. She was 
also the proud grandmother of one grandson, David ``Boom Boom'' 
Jonathan whom she loved and adored.
  Always demonstrating love for her community, Mary was President of 
the High Ridge Neighborhood Improvement Association. With a reputation 
for helping others, solving problems and improving her community, she 
was a source of inspiration and wisdom. One of Mary's favorite programs 
was the Association's annual Thanksgiving Dinner, which provided an 
opportunity for residents, families and friends to gather in fellowship 
to give thanks to God for His many blessings. Mary received numerous 
awards and honors for her dedication and commitment to the community, 
including Making a Difference Award from Team Metro and Inner City 
Education Foundation Parent Club. She also served on the Model City/
Brownsville Charrette Steering Committee.
  A committed servant of God, whatever church Mary was a member of, she 
stood out as a beacon of light, who demonstrated the love of God to 
whomever she met. An active member in her church, Mary served on 
several ministries. She was a Deaconess, Sabbath School Teacher and 
dedicated servant. Her walk with God was evident. At Bethany Seventh 
Day Adventist Church, she was honored by the Sabbath School Department 
for Outstanding and Dedicated Service. Mary loved her church family.
  Last Tuesday, Mary heard and answered her Lord's call to rest. She 
leaves to cherish and celebrate her life four loving children, Michael, 
Ronald, Surette Sands (Christopher), and Illka; one grandson, David 
``Boom Boom'' Jonathan; three brothers James Jordan (Loretta) of Myrtle 
Beach, South Carolina, Elvin Floyd Jordan (Sandra) of Oakland, 
California and Randolph of Miami, Florida; and a host of relatives and 
friends. May God bless her soul and grant her eternal rest.

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