[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MS. HATTIE LUCINDA BENNETT FOR HER SERVICES IN THE MISSISSIPPI 
                         HEALTH CARE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable woman, Ms. Hattie Lucinda Bennett. Ms. Bennett was born on 
January 2, 1916 in Spartanburg, South Carolina to John and Hattie 
Abner. Ms. Bennett began her early years of school in the Spartanburg 
community until she and her family relocated to West Palm Beach, 
Florida. It is in the West Palm Beach community at the early age of 10 
that she discovered the severity of economic depression and hardship 
affecting her community. After visiting a hospital in West Palm Beach, 
Ms. Bennett realized she would leave her mark on society by becoming a 
nurse.
  Ms. Bennett graduated from West Palm Beach Industrial High School in 
1935 as Valedictorian of her class. A short time after that, she began 
selling insurance policies at a private company to help raise money for 
college tuition. This job, along with the help of her family and her 
community, afforded Ms. Bennett the opportunity to successfully attend 
and complete nursing school as one of 16 blacks. Her achievements did 
not end there. Ms. Hattie Bennett, after completing nursing school, 
immediately passed the Georgia and Mississippi Registry Exam, which 
allowed her to begin a career in nursing.
  Ms. Bennett's academic achievements and nursing credentials attracted 
the attention of Dr. Carl Day of the Yazoo Clinic and Hospital of Yazoo 
City, Mississippi. In February of 1941, Dr. Carl offered Ms. Bennett 
the head nursing position at the Yazoo Clinic and Hospital. After 
generously accepting, Ms. Bennett managed to meticulously raise the 
standards and performance expectations of the staff by implementing 
professional training and seminars. She sought to institute 
professional development activities by the staff to grow and enhance 
the facility.
  Ms. Bennett served admirably as head nurse for the Yazoo Clinic and 
Hospital of Yazoo City for 29 years before subsequently serving for 2 
years at the African American Sons and Daughter Hospital, 14 years at 
the Heritage Manor Nursing Home, and 32 years at the Mid-Delta Home 
Health Service.
  In 2002, Ms. Bennett retired and was honored for her exemplary 
lifelong dedication to the nursing profession. Ms. Bennett continues 
her commitment to nursing as she motivates and encourages youth to 
pursue a career in the health profession. In 2002, she was honored with 
the Community Service Award presented by the St. Peters Missionary 
Baptist Church.
  Ms Bennett is also a faithful member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church of 
Yazoo, Mississippi where she serves as steward, trustee and chairperson 
of the Surplus Fund.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring a 
legendary servant of Yazoo City, Mississippi, community, Ms. Hattie 
Lucinda Bennett.

                          ____________________