[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING JESSIE PEARL WATT STEWART

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. 
Jessie Pearl Watt Stewart. Jessie Pearl Watt Stewart is the eighth 
child of 12 born to the late Plummie and Cora Yates Watt in Grenada, 
Mississippi where she was reared. She attended the Grenada Colored 
Public Elementary and High School where she received her high school 
diploma. Upon graduation from high school, she matriculated in 
Mississippi Vocational College, now known as Mississippi Valley State 
University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of 
Science Degree in Elementary Education. She also did further studies at 
Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.
  It was at Mississippi Vocational College where she met and married 
the late Coach Conway Stewart, a native of Greenwood, Mississippi. To 
this union was given three beautiful daughters, Rev. Cora Denise 
Stewart Lowe, Valeria Stewart Skinner Moses and Yolanda Yvetta Stewart 
Spinks.
  Jessie Stewart's genuine love for children and people and her respect 
for education were the guiding forces that led her to a career of 
teaching for more than 39 years in Indianola, Grenada, Leflore County 
and Greenwood Public Schools. Her dedication and commitment to the 
successful education for Black children and young adults of the 
cultural, civic/moral development of Black women were her inspiration 
in teaching the whole child every facet of life. This was also 
instrumental in her organizing several young Black women organizations, 
a young men's organization, Gentlemen of Quality for high school boys. 
She worked with junior and high school girls for more than 25 years as 
sponsor and counselor of a civic, social, cultural and educational 
club. She worked as counselor, advisor and teacher of youth, and young 
adults, in the Mississippi State Baptist Congress of the Young People 
Department of Christian Education for 10 years. Jessie's love for God 
is evident having served at Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, as 
assistant secretary for more than 40 years, President of the Missionary 
Society, Director of Christian Education, Director of Baptist Training 
Union and Sunday school teacher. She has always exemplified strong 
Christian faith and gives God all the praise for her successes.
  Her leadership ability is reflected in her service to the community, 
having served as President of The Rising Sun Community Organization, 
which has more than 300 residents, President of the Greenwood-Leflore 
Retired Education Personnel Association, Past President of the Third 
District, City and local Federation of Colored Women Clubs Inc., An 
active Silver Star of Kappa Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority (AKA), Past President of the Cotillion Federation of Colored 
Women' Club, Board member of the Salvation Army, originator and sponsor 
of orphan residents of local nursing homes. She is an active life and 
local member of Mississippi Valley State University Alumni Chapter and 
she has served on the United Way and Girl Scout Boards.
  She is the recipient of numerous plaques, awards and recognitions for 
work in the community, schools and churches. Teacher of the Year from 
Threadgill Elementary School 1978, Teacher of the Year Dickerson 
Elementary Schoo1 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1996. Employer of the Year for 
Greenwood City Schools 1995, A+ Teacher of the year 1992, Who's Who 
Among American Teachers 1993, Community Services Award for volunteers, 
Wesley United Methodist Church 1997, 4-H Youth Volunteer Award 1993, 
Club Woman of the Year, Mississippi State Federation of Colored Women 
Third District, Cotillion Federated Club Woman of the Year and the 
Greenwood Commonwealth Newspaper Unsung Hero 2004.
  She continues to work untiringly, teaching, mentoring, guiding and 
providing active participation in her church, The Greenwood-Leflore 
Retired Education Personnel Association, The Rising Sun Community 
Organization, AKA Sorority, schools, nursing homes and wherever she is 
called.

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