[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LATE MRS. JESSIE PENDLETON

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
civil rights champion, the late Mrs. Jessie Pendleton. Mrs. Pendleton 
served Copiah County for years as a stanch civil rights activist.
  She was born on April 29, 1924 to Allee and Pearlie Bowens in Crystal 
Springs, Mississippi. Jessie was the wife of Mr. J.C. Pendleton and 
mother to four children, James Cecil, Mattie, Helen and Eva.
  Mrs. Pendleton joined Providence Missionary Baptist Church at an 
early age, where she continued her walk in faith as a dedicated member. 
She was the organizer of the first Providence Missionary Baptist Church 
Family & Friends day, which continues as a time honored tradition 
today. Mrs. Pendleton later became a member of St. Mary's United 
Methodist Church where she held many leadership positions.
  Mrs. Pendleton's love for God and humanity was instrumental in her 
endeavors to ensure that all men were treated fairly, a passion that 
ultimately led to her Human Rights activism. On her list of many 
accolades, is the redistricting lawsuit she filed in Copiah County, 
Mississippi which resulted in the creation of two predominantly Black 
districts in Copiah County, Mississippi which were both represented by 
black Supervisors. Mrs. Pendleton also filed a complaint against 
Harmony Ridge Water Association, which prior to that restricted water 
from being provided to citizens in the rural areas of the County.
  Mrs. Pendleton founded the Citizens for Progress Club in 1987, whose 
primary focus was to assist the economically deprived in the Copiah 
County and surrounding areas. She also had the privilege of serving as 
President of the Crystal Springs branch of the National Association of 
the Advancement of Colored People. Mrs. Pendleton's tireless efforts in 
increasing civic participation led to her receiving the mother of the 
year award for Copiah County in 1986.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and 
legacy of Mrs. Jessie Pendleton for her dedication and service to 
Copiah County, Mississippi.

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