[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E155-E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO ANNE HINES FARISH--``THE MATRIARCH OF MONROEVILLE''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with sadness and many fond memories 
that I rise today to acknowledge the recent passing of Anne Hines 
Farish of Monroeville, Alabama, a dear friend and extraordinary public 
servant.
  Anne Farish passed away January 18, 2010, at her home after a battle 
with cancer. She was 83.
  Her hometown newspaper, The Monroe Journal, called Anne Farish the 
``Matriarch of Monroeville.'' For the former mayor, who viewed everyone 
in her hometown as family, this title is certainly well chosen.
  A native of Monroeville, Anne grew up the oldest of four daughters of 
the late Dr. Jack and Mrs. Irma Hines. Dr. Hines was Monroeville's 
mayor for 16 years and his presence no doubt had an influence upon his 
eldest daughter, who eventually followed in his footsteps.
  Anne graduated from Monroe County High School in the same class as 
Nelle Harper Lee, another beloved daughter of Monroeville and Pulitzer 
Prize winning author of ``To Kill a Mockingbird.'' Upon graduation, 
Anne attended Auburn University, and her late husband, Dick, served as 
Monroeville's postmaster for many years.
  Anne will be remembered for so many things. She was indeed a 
political trail blazer. She was the first woman elected to the 
Monroeville City Council--serving from 1984 to 1992. Following that, 
she was the first woman elected as mayor of Monroeville--where she led 
the city for four terms (1992 to 2008).
  During her tenure, Monroeville built its first industrial park, added 
to its recreational parks and constructed a new City Hall and police 
station.
  Anne was also a successful businesswoman, owning her own brokerage 
firm, The Farish Agency.
  As I noted when Anne retired from public service in 2008, she was the 
epitome of a ``Steel Magnolia,'' a real southern lady, strong and 
persevering and someone who was truly an institution among the 
residents of Monroeville.
  Everyone who knew Anne will surely miss her. Monroeville has truly 
lost a beloved member of its family. My condolences and prayers go out 
to her family, including her son, William Clifford (Christie) Farish; 
sisters, Rose Marie Hines Bush, Temple Hudson Hines Lazenby, Irma 
Jacqueline Hines Nobles; her two grandchildren and extended family.
  I join with all of Monroeville and Monroe County in mourning the loss 
of this remarkable lady and very dear friend.

[[Page E156]]



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