[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E91]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING EDITH COLEMAN'S 95TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that 
I congratulate Mrs. Mary Edith Brown Coleman on a momentous milestone, 
her 95th birthday, which will be on February 13, 2012. Edith will be 
celebrating this milestone with family and friends on Saturday, 
February 11, 2012. Throughout the past 72 years, Edith's presence in 
Northwest Indiana has allowed her the opportunity to touch the lives of 
countless people.
   Edith Brown was born on February 13, 1917 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She 
was one of four children born to Luther Albert Brown and Dora Rozolia 
Draper Brown. Having gone on to live in Kansas City, Kansas and 
Chicago, Illinois, Edith finally relocated to Gary, Indiana in 1940. 
Quite the accomplished student, Edith completed her Bachelor of Science 
and Master of Science degrees in education at Indiana University in 
Bloomington. From there, she decided to go into the teaching 
profession. As a teacher at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in 
Gary for over 27 years, Edith was able to enrich the lives of so many 
young people in the Gary community. For her commitment to the youth of 
Northwest Indiana, she is worthy of the highest praise.
   Equally as impressive, Edith has always been seen as the foundation 
of her family. She and her husband, the late William Henry Coleman, 
were blessed with the births of two wonderful children: Norma Louise 
Coleman and Merle Jean Coleman. Edith's family, as well as those whose 
lives she has touched, admire her for devoting unselfish love, time, 
dedication, guidance, and spirit to her family, her students, and her 
friends.
   As well as being dearly loved and respected by her family, her 
students, and her community, Edith is also well known for her 
involvement with her church, the First Church of God in Gary, and 
several other organizations. For years, Edith has been a distinguished 
member of the American Association of University Women, the Women's 
Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society, the Red Hat 
Society, and the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Since her arrival in 
Northwest Indiana, Edith has always been known as a good-hearted woman 
who is always willing to help the people in her community. For her 
selflessness, she is to be commended and admired.
   Mr. Speaker, Mary Edith Brown Coleman has always given her time and 
efforts selflessly to the youth and the community in Northwest Indiana 
throughout her illustrious life. She has taught every member of her 
family and extended family the true meaning of service to others. I 
respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me 
in wishing Edith a very happy 95th birthday.

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