[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE MEMORY OF JAMIE CATLIN PRAYTOR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and the State of 
Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor Jamie 
Catlin Praytor and pay tribute to her memory.
  A realtor for four decades, Jamie was known to many throughout 
southwest Alabama as the founder and president of Praytor Realty; 
however, it was her longtime work with area charities and civic groups 
that gave her such a special place in so many of our hearts.
  Jamie served as chairwoman of the Homeless Coalition Task Force, and 
she was involved with the Salvation Army and in fundraising for the 
American Diabetes Association. She also served on numerous boards 
including: Forward Mobile, Art Patrons League, Allied Arts Council, 
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Mobile United, Alabama School of Math 
and Science, Junior Achievement, USA Small Business Development Center, 
Mobile 2000, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Florence 
Crittendon Home, and Mobile Sunrise Rotary Club. Jamie was instrumental 
in helping to establish McKemie Place, a shelter for homeless women and 
children.
  Named Realtor of the Year in 1981, Jamie was an institution among 
Alabama realtors. In 1974, she opened Praytor Realty with an all-female 
sales staff, which was unique at the time. Labeled ``Praytor's 
Pretties'' by The Birmingham News, Jamie and her team quickly built a 
highly successful and respected company. Jamie gave much of her time to 
the realtor community as well. She was elected president of the local 
Board of Realtors and became president of the state association in 
1992. This year, the Mobile Association of Realtors established the 
Jamie C. Praytor Humanitarian Award, honoring her service. In 2001, 
Jamie was chosen First Lady of Mobile.
  A native and lifelong resident of Mobile, Jamie was a member of All 
Saint's Episcopal Church. She had served as stewardship chairwoman, 
vestry member, Altar Guild group leader and president of the women of 
the church.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. 
Preceded in death by her beloved husband Tommy, Jamie Catlin Praytor 
will be dearly missed by her family--her daughter, Ellen Praytor 
Wingard; her sons, Hugh Thomas Praytor III and Wilson Wrath Praytor; 
four grandchildren, Hayley Catlin Praytor, Hugh Thomas Praytor IV, 
Charles Lee Wingard Jr. and Blake Dixon Wingard; her sisters, Anita 
Catlin Miller and Martha Catlin Willcox; her brothers, Paul W. Catlin, 
James G. Catlin, and Charles P. Catlin--as well as the countless 
friends she leaves behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult 
time.

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