[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNITION OF WILLETT THOMAS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Ms. 
Thomas. A native of Macon, Georgia, Ms. Thomas has enjoyed nearly a 
century of good health with the love of her family and her deep faith 
in God. We celebrate your 100th birthday.
  Ms. Thomas was born Willett Evelyn Smith on March 19, 1912, in Macon, 
Georgia. She is the oldest of three daughters born to her mother. 
During the early years of her life, Ms. Thomas grew up in Macon, 
Georgia in the household of her grandparents, Lucinda Jackson (Momma 
Lucinda) and Papa Dudda. Ms. Thomas has said, ``Her family was very 
poor people, but she lived a rich and privileged life surrounded by 
lots of love.''
  Ms. Thomas completed her elementary education at Rutland Station 
School, a public school with grades one through seven. She attended 
high school at Hudson High located in the city limits of Macon, 
Georgia, but she had to walk a long distance to reach the bus line, 
where she then took a bus through the city to the school. She was 
motivated by her cousin Mary Washington, who was also determined to get 
an education. They, along with a few others, weathered many a stormy 
days in triumph of a better life.
  Ms. Thomas moved to New York where she would meet and marry the late 
Nelson Brown. They had one son, Thomas Brown, but the marriage would 
later fall apart. Ms. Thomas continued to attend Antioch Baptist Church 
and served at Brooklyn Hospital until she met and fell in love with 
Army officer, Leroy Thomas.
  Ms. Thomas struggled with her husband's post war syndromes but they 
weathered the storm and raised her son together. When her son took ill 
becoming disabled in 1976, she and her husband needed to share 
sacrifice. For several years, she continued to work her night shift 
while her husband worked during the day. This worked out great for them 
because one of them was at home at all times to be of assistance to 
their son.
  Ms. Thomas took advantage of new opportunities and landed a position 
as a Nurses Aide at Brooklyn Hospital. She was a devoted, prompt and 
competent worker until her reluctant retirement after 60 years of 
service in 1996.
  As her son's health continued to decline, Ms. Thomas turned to 
worship and began attending New Faith Community Baptist Church every 
Sunday. Over time his health improved and together they attended 
fundraising events and became very active at the church. On December 
29, 2005, her son passed quietly in his sleep.
  Today, Ms. Thomas remains in good spirits enjoying every moment of 
every day. She enjoys going out for a ride, taking in the sights of the 
city and various cultural events.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ms. 
Willett Thomas on her 100th birthday. She continues to live a life full 
of joy and is a model citizen to us all.

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