[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 38 (Monday, March 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E475-E476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO HATTIE RUTH PERSONS-NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of 
Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson.
  Hattie was born on July 20, 1938, in Beuna Vista, Georgia. Her 
parents are the late Woodward Thomas Person and Hattie Williams-
Persons. During her adolescence, Hattie loved to laugh and had a zest 
for learning; she completed two grades in a single school year.
  Hattie migrated to New York City in 1959. She resided on Washington 
Avenue with her aunt and uncle, Fannie and Elder Williams. Her uncle 
was the founding pastor of the Evergreen Church of God in Christ, where 
Hattie was a dedicated member for several years. In 1972, she joined 
the New Canaan Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. 
A.L. Cunningham and the current pastor, Rev. Richard J. Lawson.
  Hattie's dedication to the Lord and her church compelled her to work 
tirelessly in pursuit of the crown she will receive in heaven. In her 
service at Evergreen Church of God in Christ, she served as a trustee, 
data entry secretary, hospitality committee president, Christian 
councilmember, Women's Day Committee secretary, and special projects 
organizer. At New Canaan Baptist Church, Hattie was senior choir 
president, Georgia/Alabama Club president, Traveling Mass Choir member, 
Matron Mission Club member, Women's Day chairperson, Pastor's Aide Club 
member and church clerk.
  Hattie loved organizing projects and was dedicated to upholding the 
legacy of the African-American experience. She was involved in 
extensive community activities: yearly Black History Month 
celebrations, youth with educational trips to Washington, D.C., 
literature handouts, yearly family reunions, fundraising,

[[Page E476]]

and various events designed to bring family and friends together 
(including her famous Reach One, Teach One program). Hattie can only be 
described as a passionate, purposeful, ambitious, and charitable 
person. She was always willing to lend a hand in support of a cause, 
whether large or small.
  Hattie was an employee of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in New 
York for thirty years before retiring. Hattie was always dedicated to 
the service of her community. She will be dearly missed by all who 
worked with her.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
of Ms. Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson.

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