[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 170 (Monday, November 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JENNIE RACHEL CATRON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 5, 2007

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I regret that I must inform 
the House of the passing of a great American in my home community who 
stood tall on the mountaintop and watched over many people all around 
her.
  Jennie Rachel Catron lived through more tragedy than most people, and 
in spite of it, showed leadership, stability, strength, love, 
discipline and direction until the day she left us at 91, on October 
14, 2007. Her lesson to us is that it's not what happens to you in life 
that matters; it's what you do about it that counts.
  To her children, she was their hero. To our community, she was our 
devoted volunteer. She inspired all of us to never quit and to never be 
counted out, but to move forward with compassion to put down adversity 
when it strikes.
  Among the many causes Jennie Rachel dedicated herself to were the 
Daughters of the American Revolution, the Somerset-Pulaski County 
Rescue Squad, the PTA, the Homemaker's Club, and the Republican Women's 
Club. Through her efforts the uneducated were taught, the poor got a 
helping hand, and families were made stronger.
  Her life appeared to be that of any wife, mother and then 
grandmother. But it was not--that life was violently taken away from 
her. She would lose her husband Harold, the Somerset Police Chief, to a 
criminal's bullet. And 45 years later, she lost her son Sam, the 
Sheriff of Pulaski County, the same way. Both times Jennie Rachel was 
only a few feet away. And both times, revenge was exacted against her 
husband and son for going after criminal enterprises.
  Yet, she managed to build a new life. She devoted herself to her 
surviving son Lewis, daughter Nancy, grandchildren and great 
grandchildren. The community organizations she was involved in are too 
numerous to name.
  The order in life that most of us expect, was upended for Jennie 
Rachel Catron. She rebuilt what was torn down--for her and the rest of 
us.
  Her daughter Nancy read a verse at her mother's request and thus 
concluded her eulogy. It is a fitting tribute to a fine lady whose 
spirit is alive when we look across our community and see the good that 
is there.

     Do not stand at my grave and weep:
     I am not there. I do not sleep.

     I am a thousand winds that blow.
     I am the diamond glints on snow.

     I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
     I am the gentle autumn rain.

     When you awaken in the morning's hush,
     I am the swift uplifting rush

     Of quiet birds in circled flight,
     I am the soft stars that shine at night,

     Do not stand at my grave and cry;
     I am not there. I did not die.

  We remember Jennie Rachel Catron.

                          ____________________