[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO BETTY RIVES ALLEN CALLAWAY

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to my 
good friend, Betty Rives Allen Callaway, whom I have known for many 
years.
  Betty was born January 17, 1928, in Selma, AL, to Carolyn Young and 
Vickers Rives Allen. Raised in Old Town, Betty attended Byrd Elementary 
School, Selma Junior High School, and later, Albert G. Parrish High 
School. As a young woman in Selma, Betty quickly became a fixture in 
the community by donating her time and energy to various civic causes.
  In 1943, while Betty was a student at Selma Junior High School, the 
United States was in the midst of World War II. In towns across 
America, civilians were mobilizing scrap drives to collect metal for 
war material. Betty, taking an active role in Selma's drive, secured 
the gift of the old Cahaba Bridge from Dallas County, a locomotive and 
track from the local railroad, and old buses from Clarence Agee Bus 
Company.
  Her success in the scrap metal drive earned her the privilege of 
being selected to travel to Mobile to christen the William C. Gorgas, a 
Liberty Ship named by the students at Selma Junior High School. The 
trip was memorable for Betty, as she once recalled christening the 
ship, ``[E]xcept it took me more than once to smash the bottle of 
champagne.''
  Following her graduation from Albert G. Parrish High School, Betty 
embarked on her professional career. Her penchant for business and 
sense of style quickly earned her a position in Louise Martindale's 
dress shop. As a self-described ``conscientious mother and housewife,'' 
Betty proved to be more than capable of balancing her home and her 
work. While raising her three sons, Johnny, Vick, and Jimmy, Betty also 
worked as a receptionist in several local offices and businesses, and 
later served as the social editor at the Selma Times-Journal.
  In 1970, Betty began her career as an aide to some of Alabama's 
political figures, including U.S. Representatives Bill Nichols, Walter 
Flowers, and Earl Hilliard. Betty also served with distinction for 8 
years in my office during my time in the U.S. House of Representatives. 
As a member of my staff, Betty helped countless Alabamians navigate 
Federal bureaucracy, many times going above and beyond her call of 
duty.
  Betty's service to her community extended far beyond her duties as a 
legislative aide. As an expert on Selma history, Betty was instrumental 
in the effort to restore Cahawba, Alabama's first capital. She also 
worked to revitalize Selma's Water Avenue, one of the Nation's most 
historic riverfront streets. A true civic leader, Betty served on the 
Alabama Sheriffs' Boys Ranch Advisory Committee and as a member of the 
board of directors of the Selma-Dallas County United Way. She was also 
the first woman named to the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce's 
board of directors.
  In 1997, Betty moved from Selma to Point Clear. However, in May, her 
lifelong friends from Selma were glad to see her return home to live. 
Today, Betty enjoys spending time with her son, Johnny, and daughter-
in-law, Teresa, as well as with her six grandchildren, Caroline, Allen, 
Ben, Michael, Rachel Holt, and Clare.
  I wish Betty much luck on the next phase of her life, and I ask this 
entire Senate to join me in recognizing and honoring the life and 
career of my good friend Betty Callaway.

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