[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 184 (Friday, December 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING MS. JESSIE FRANKLIN WILLIAMS FOR HER SERVICE TO THE 
               COMMUNITY AND HER COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable parent and an outstanding public servant, Ms. Jessie 
Franklin Williams. Ms. Williams has devoted her entire life to 
education and service. She was born on January 4, 1944 to Mr. and Mrs. 
L.A. Franklin in Greenville, Mississippi. She is the eldest of ten 
children and the widow of the late Mr. Albert Joe Williams. She is also 
the proud mother of four daughters: Sharon, Kyshea, Albetha and Jessica 
and grandmother of seven beautiful grandchildren.
  Ms. Williams attended Coleman High School in Greenville, Mississippi; 
Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi and Delta 
State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. She is a student of history 
and dedicated her 38-year career to teaching the subject of Social 
Studies in the Shaw, Mississippi School District.
  She has trained with the Office of Innovative and School Improvement 
and completed studies through the File Management for Educators 
program. Her additional instruction include: The Praxis Series 
Validation and Standard Setting Professional Assessments for Beginning 
Teachers, Strategies and Tools for Improving Student Learning and 
Achievement and Preps Subject Area Training.
  She was appointed by former Governor of Mississippi and current 
Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, to serve on the State 
Health and Human Services Board. Ms. Williams has also served on the 
Washington County (MS) Election Commission and evaluated high schools 
for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). She has 
served as a member of the Greenville Pride Committee and served on the 
Board for Project Weed and Seed of Greenville, Mississippi. She also 
sings with the Soulful Temps Gospel Group.
  Ms. Williams has lived through major periods in American History. She 
journeyed with America through times of both segregation and 
integration, becoming the first African American teacher to integrate 
the public schools in the Mississippi Delta. She was chosen Star 
Teacher and Teacher of the Year several times in her School District.
  She serves as church announcer and president of the New Mt. Bethel 
Choir. She has served as President of the Elegant Ebonetts' Social and 
Civic Club, and worked with the Excellence Groups; which is a group of 
teachers and students dedicated to improving proficiency in the 
classroom.
  She is passionate about education and has a consecrated love for her 
students. She has sponsored mock trials, mock elections, oratorical 
contests, and pageants all with the intent of promoting academic 
excellence and diversity among her students. Her motto is: ``Good 
habits produce good conduct, long life and prosperity.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in recognizing 
Mrs. Jessie Franklin Williams for her dedication and commitment to 
education and empowering America's next generation.

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