[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CORINNE GRAYSON-THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2011

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, Corinne Grayson-Thomas was born in New York 
City to William and Anna Grayson and attended NYC Public Schools until 
her family moved to Runyon Heights in Yonkers, New York. She was the 
first African American woman to graduate from Roosevelt High School, in 
1932. She attended City College of New York, majoring in History and 
Science, while focusing on political issues, as well as justice and 
equality. With the war coming, she made the decision to leave college 
after 3 years and go to work.
  She joined Gimbel's Department Store in 1944, became the first 
African-American Sales Representative, and she remained there until she 
retired in 1975. She was also the first woman of color to become an 
Avon Representative and worked with the company for 40 years. Ms. 
Thomas was very successful as a Team Leader, receiving many awards from 
the company and being featured in the 1996 February Edition of Essence 
Magazine in the Avon Ad ``Black Has Never Been More Beautiful.''
  Corinne joined the Terrace City Chapter #26 Order Eastern Star under 
the affiliation of her father, Worshipful Master William Grayson. After 
serving as Worthy Matron in 1970, she had several appointments from the 
Grand Chapter, which included the Grand Marshall in the East and 
District Deputy Grand Matron. She is an honorary member of Poinsettia 
Chapter in Spring Valley and a Past Commandress of the Order of 
Cyrenes.
  She was a member of the Nepperhan Community Center for many years and 
served on the Board of Directors and as president for 5 years (1960-
1965). Ms. Thomas was a member of the Social Bridge Club and is an avid 
bowler in the Runyon Heights Seniors League. She is also a frequent 
contributor to the Runyon Heights Community Newsletter.
  She is widowed and has one daughter, Jean Ann; 2 grandsons, Jathan 
and Michael and one Great Grand-daughter, Katherine Corinne and has 3 
siblings, Muriel, Carol and Gerald.
  She believes in spreading love and has spent her whole life doing 
just that. Her favorite Bible Chapter is 1 Corinthians 13, and the 
scripture that echoes this principle is ``And now these three remain: 
faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.''
  I join the Terrace City Chapter in honoring Corinne Grayson-Thomas 
for her many contributions to the betterment of her community.

                          ____________________