[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MARGARET ASKEW
                                 COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday 
of lifelong Memphian Margaret Askew Cooper. Born October 8, 1911, Mrs. 
Cooper is the mother of three children, Charles Askew, Mauri Askew and 
Turner Askew. She has five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and 
numerous nieces and nephews.
  Mrs. Cooper has dedicated much of her life to serving the Memphis 
community. She was instrumental in the founding of the Le Bonheur Club 
which is a non-profit organization that supports Le Bonheur Children's 
Hospital through fundraising and volunteer service. Mrs. Cooper helped 
shape Les Passees, Memphis' original women's volunteer organization. 
Les Passees was incorporated in 1932 and has since supported the USO, 
the Shelby County Chapter of Society for Crippled Children and Adults, 
opened a center for children living with cerebral palsy and centers 
dedicated to the well-being of children and families.
  Throughout her life, Margaret Cooper has had quite the reputation as 
a great dancer. Today, she still makes Saturday nights her dancing 
nights. During her 100th birthday celebration, well-known Memphis band 
leader Jim Johnson will fulfill a promise he made to Mrs. Cooper nearly 
20 years ago. He told her that he would get his band back together to 
perform at her 100th birthday party. I am certain that she and all of 
her family and friends will have a memorable celebration filled with 
fun and dancing.
  All who know Margaret Cooper admire her perennially positive outlook 
which has influenced hundreds throughout her life. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in wishing Mrs. Margaret Askew Cooper a happy 100th birthday 
and in commending her on a life dedicated to her family and her 
community.

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