[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MR. JAMES FLOYD CLEVELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
James Floyd Cleveland, who passed away on July 31 at the age of 88.
  Mr. Cleveland was a truly wonderful example of a man who lived the 
American dream. Born on December 17, 1923, he was a cultivator of corn, 
cotton, soybeans, hogs and cattle on his family farm for over 60 years. 
He was widely known to have the best okra and mustard greens in town. 
Moreover, many deemed him the ``Historian'' for his long life and 
incredible ability to bring oral history to life.
  Having accepted Christ at an early age, Mr. Cleveland was baptized in 
1939 and dedicated much of his time to good works, notably as an active 
member of St. Matthew Benevolent Society and Secretary of the Lily 
Lodge number 5911 in Rapides Station, Louisiana.
  Mr. Cleveland enjoyed 57 years of married life with Bernice Jones. 
Mrs. Cleveland preceded him in death on January 6, 2011, but not a day 
went by that he didn't speak lovingly of seeing her again. Their union 
produced a daughter, Sheila Joyce Bryant, who married Arthur R. Bryant. 
His two granddaughters, Rachel Joyce and Bathsheba Felice were the joys 
of his life.
  As a leader in his community, he strived to make life better for 
others. He rose to the occasion after the 1965 United States Voting 
Rights Act and was instrumental in ensuring African-Americans 
registered and cast their votes for the first time. He was appointed to 
the Rapides Parish Election process and served as Key Custodian from 
1991 to 2006, always going above and beyond in his civic duty.
  We all have much to learn from the life and legacy of Mr. Cleveland, 
who lived a quiet and honorable life as one of the farmers who feeds 
America. To say that Mr. Cleveland left his fingerprint on the world is 
an understatement. He was a friend to many and an example for all who 
had the good fortune to know him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
late Mr. James Floyd Cleveland.

                          ____________________