[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. VIOLA JACKSON

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                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2012

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
100th birthday of Mrs. Viola Jackson, my constituent. Mrs. Jackson was 
born May 9, 1912 in Sharon, Taliaferro County, Georgia. She was the 
eleventh of thirteen children born to Tom and Mary Edwards. She has 
managed to outlive both her parents and siblings. Throughout her life, 
Mrs. Jackson has worked tirelessly to provide a better life for herself 
and her family.
  From her childhood into her early adulthood, Mrs. Jackson worked on a 
farm as a tiller. However, her life would change considerably after 
meeting sharecropper Johnny Jackson, in 1938--a period of racial 
prejudice and injustice. After marrying Mr. Jackson, she continued 
working on the farm, where she later gave birth to Virginia Jackson on 
January 25, 1939, the couple's first child. In pursuit of better 
educational opportunities for Virginia, Mrs. Jackson sent her to live 
with her brother, in Miami Florida. In 1950, the Jacksons relocated to 
Miami, FL.
  Shortly after arriving in Miami, Viola was employed by John Lieberman 
as a live-in housekeeper and nanny in Sunny Isles, FL. There, she 
worked six days a week, with only Thursdays off to spend with her 
family. However, her husband was gainfully employed in the saw mills of 
Opa-Locka as a lumberjack. Together, they saved enough money to buy 
their first home on Washington Street in Opa-Locka, which is located in 
the heart of District 17.
  After years of working with the Lieberman family, Viola transitioned 
to the Frances Liebler family, where she worked as a housekeeper in 
their residence and hotel. Her work ethic and loyalty earned her a 
promotion as the Housekeeping Manager, a position she held until her 
retirement in 1965. However, she resumed working in 1973, after her 
love of children inspired her to launch a day care. Throughout her 
life, Viola was known for being more than an exceptional caretaker and 
employee; she was also known for her faith.
  Her journey with God led her to many churches including Greater New 
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Greater Tabernacle Missionary 
Baptist Church, United Christian Baptist Church, Fellowship Missionary 
Baptist Church and New Christ Tabernacle Church, where Mrs. Jackson 
serves as Church Mother. Her faith has sustained her through 100 years 
of hardships, health challenges and losses. I am hopeful that she will 
continue to serve as a role model and an inspiration to everyone around 
her.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Mrs. Viola Jackson. She's not 
only a treasure to my district, but also to our nation. I encourage 
members of Congress to join me in celebrating her 100th birthday. 
Lastly, I pray that she may continue to have longevity and happiness 
for many more years to come.

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