[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 167 (Thursday, November 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 109TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. ROOSEVELT LEE, SR. OF KOSCIUSKO, 
                                   MS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mr. Roosevelt Lee, Sr. of Kosciusko, Mississippi; as a father, husband 
and agricultural entrepreneur in recognition of his 109th birthday. 
Born October 23, 1902 to Mr. Tom Lee and Mrs. Mary Young Lee, Roosevelt 
is the eldest and last surviving of nine siblings. Mr. Lee is the 
father of eighteen (18) children, grandfather to sixty (60) 
grandchildren and great-grandfather to more than fifty (50) great-
grandchildren.
  During a period when educational resources for African Americans were 
slim to none, Mr. Lee managed to receive up to a third grade education 
which was offered out of a local church in Kosciusko where he is a 
native. At a very young age Mr. Lee committed his time and talent to 
working to help support his family; he worked as a farmer, mechanic, 
and raiser of cattle and other livestock.
  He is a devote Christian and passionate steward of the Lord. He was a 
member of the Mount Ollie Missionary Baptist Church in Kosciusko, 
Mississippi for 67 years where he actively served as Sunday school 
superintendent, treasurer, head deacon, and trustee for the church. 
Currently, he is a member of the Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church 
of Clarksdale and has been for the past eight years.
  Mr. Lee is a member of the Sir Knight Masons of Clarksdale, 
Mississippi. He has selflessly devoted his time to helping other local 
farmers maintain and repair their farming equipment and vehicles. Mr. 
Lee's work ethic and commitment to making provisions for his family has 
allowed his family to keep its farm for 81 years.
  In October of 2007, Mayor Henry Epsy of Clarksdale, Mississippi, 
declared October 27th as Roosevelt Lee, Sr. Day. At the seasoned age of 
109, Mr. Lee does not suffer from high blood pressure, cholesterol, 
heart issues or diabetes but has most recently been diagnosed with 
Alzheimer disease.
  Boxing and wrestling are two of his favorite sports. He has a passion 
for checkers and loves to travel. He has frequented many of America's 
most popular destinations such as Chicago, St. Louis, California, 
Atlanta and a host of others.
  Out of his more than a century of life, Mr. Lee confirms that his 
commitment to Christ has been what has sustained him. He believes that 
if you serve the Lord and do the right thing regardless of what the 
next person does, God will bless you. He is a true example of the 
wondrous works of the Lord and what it means to be a provider for your 
family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in celebrating 
a true champion of the life, Mr. Roosevelt Lee, Sr. for his tenacious 
and zealous works as a farmer, father and one fine American.

                          ____________________