[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING FRANCES REEVES JOLLIVETTE CHAMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember Frances 
Reeves Jollivette Chambers. Fran was born on November 13, 1921 in 
Overtown--in the heart of my district. She was the daughter of The 
Miami Times founder Henry E.S. Reeves and his wife Rachel Jane Cooper 
Reeves who had emigrated from the Bahamas two years earlier. Fran was 
an integral part of my community, and she will be missed dearly.
  Fran wed Cyrus M. Jollivette, Sr., in December 1942, was widowed in 
January of 1960, and married James R. Chambers in July 1963. She would 
remain with James until his death in June of 2000. During her life, she 
was blessed with daughters Regina Jollivette Frazier and Cleo Leontine 
Jollivette, and a son, Cyrus M. Jollivette. Before passing, she was 
also blessed with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
  Again, Fran was a leader in my community. After graduating from 
Booker T. Washington High in 1938, she graduated summa cum laude from 
Bennett College in 1942 and received a Master of Arts degree from New 
York University in 1959. She would later study at the University of 
Miami, the University of Florida, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, and 
Barry universities where she amassed more post graduate credits than 
required for a doctoral degree. Fran taught and guided generations of 
students at Dunbar Elementary, Miami Jackson Senior High, COPE Center 
North, and Holmes Elementary before retiring from the Dade County 
Public Schools in July 1979. In total, she spent more than 37 years as 
a teacher, reading specialist, counselor, and principal--she was an 
amazing woman.
  In the 1950s, Fran was a volunteer for the March of Dimes and the 
American Heart Association, and in the 60s she was JESCA board chair, a 
board member of Senior Centers of Dade County, and a member of the 
American Association of University Women. In the 70s and 80s she was a 
member of the Florida State Board of Optometry and the League of Women 
Voters, and as a retiree in the 1990s she continued volunteering in the 
community while traveling the world. Ultimately, Fran visited more than 
50 countries and six continents. She was a life member of Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority and the NAACP, a platinum member of The Links, Inc., and 
a charter member and past president of the MRS Club, a six-decades-old 
group of friends. At Incarnation Episcopal Church she was a member of 
Daughters of the King.
  Again Mr. Speaker, Fran was a remarkable woman. She will be missed.
  Almost thirty years ago, and in a far different world, she conceived, 
developed, and implemented a research plan that would lead to a book 
recording the history of Miami's black pioneers. Her goal was to ensure 
that future generations could appreciate the long and difficult road 
Pioneer Miamians had traveled, and that they would not be forgotten. In 
the same vein, we will not forget her.
  Fran's vision was realized in March, 2010, when a 120 page hard-bound 
coffee table book, Linkages & Legacies, was published by The Links, 
Inc., Greater Miami Chapter.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to announce Fran's 
passing, but I will leave this chamber with great joy as I remember all 
the wonderful gifts she gave to my community.
  We miss you, Fran.

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