[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 35 (Monday, March 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO RUBY N. HOLMES

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 2008

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
achievements and celebrate the 80th birthday of Ruby N. Holmes. Born in 
Laurens, South Carolina in 1928, Ruby was raised in a large share-
cropping family. Her father was a minister and her mom a missionary.
  Ruby migrated to New York City in the late 1940s after becoming the 
first of 14 children to graduate college. She attended Allen University 
in Columbia, South Carolina where she became a member of Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ruby then earned a bachelor's degree in education 
from Pace University and a master's degree in early childhood education 
from Adelphi University.
  Ruby married Martin L. Holmes, now deceased, after settling in 
Brooklyn and raised a family in the Farragut Houses. When her children 
were school aged, she began a career as an early childhood educator, 
working 30 years at the Brevoort Children's Center as a group teacher 
before her retirement.
  Ruby is a member of the Church of the Open Door. She is the former 
Women's Day chairperson; a trustee; Sunday school teacher; member of 
the Silver Singers; Open Book Club; the Anna and James Ministry; as 
well as member and past coordinator of the Senior's Ministry. She is 
involved in social action in her community and is a former member of 
the Farragut Community Board.
  Ruby is the mother of two daughters Karen and Cheryl Holmes. She is 
also the grand-godmother to Paul Williams and Schuyler Burke.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Ruby N. Holmes, on her 80th 
birthday and let her know how much she is appreciated by all of those 
whose lives she has touched.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Ruby N. Holmes.

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