[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MRS. SARA LOUISE JONES PETTIS

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 
life of Mrs. Sara Louise Jones Pettis. Mrs. Pettis was a respected 
community activist in the Fort Lauderdale area, and her commitment to 
civic service was admirable. She recently passed away at the age of 90, 
and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest 
sympathies to her family and all those who knew her.
  Mrs. Pettis was a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida for 64 years. 
She married Mr. Cyrus Pettis in 1941, and the couple lived in Fort 
Lauderdale since first moving to the area in 1947. They both understood 
the importance of giving back to the community. Mr. Pettis was a postal 
worker, and Mrs. Pettis served as a teacher's aide at multiple schools 
in Broward County.
  Mrs. Pettis was known for her desire to improve the community. She 
was a lifetime member of the Parent Teacher's Association, and she 
volunteered at local schools, churches, and other charitable 
organizations. Mrs. Pettis was ultimately credited for expediting the 
creation of the Dillard High School Gymnasium in 1959. Her dedication 
to improving the lives of the people of Broward County was truly 
remarkable.
  In 1985, the Pettis family received a very special recognition from 
then-First Lady Nancy Reagan. The First Lady recognized the Pettis 
family as a Great American Family. Over 25 members of the Pettis family 
were in attendance at a special White House ceremony. The award is 
given to families leading exemplary lives, and giving back to their 
communities. The Pettis family is one of only nine other families to 
ever receive this award.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Mrs. Pettis for her dedication 
to the people of Fort Lauderdale. I knew Mrs. Pettis personally, and I 
was saddened to hear of her passing. She had an extraordinary sense of 
civic duty, and I would like to extend my sympathies to not only her 
family and friends, but to the entire South Florida community, and all 
of those whose lives she touched. Mrs. Pettis will be truly missed.

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