[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 77 (Tuesday, June 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MRS. CELAINE GORDON COLEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. 
Celaine Gordon Coleman, who is a remarkable public servant.
  Mrs. Celaine Gordon Coleman who is 95 years old was born June 29, 
1917 in the Lebanon Community of Holmes County, says it seems that 
``folks have forgotten about what we went through to make things better 
for these children today. The children need to know their history. 
Folks don't talk about it much anymore.''
  The daughter of the late Eddie and Celaine Gordon, Mrs. Coleman did 
whatever she could to help move the civil rights movement in Holmes 
County. ``I used to cook for them,'' she said. She was also one of the 
early pioneers of the Head Start Program as it came to the hills of 
Holmes County. She served as a cook for years at the Mt. Olive Head 
Start Program.
  Mrs. Coleman also served the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church as 
Sunday School Secretary for 50-plus years. The church is one of the 
oldest black churches in Holmes County and it was once a very prominent 
church school for blacks. Although her health will not permit her to 
attend now, she once had perfect church attendance.
  Mrs. Coleman would walk for miles sometimes just to attend church. On 
muddy days she would carry her good shoes in her hand and put them on 
once she got to the church, and she would be on time as well. Through 
her hard-working spirit, she was also instrumental in positively 
impacting the lives of many black children in Holmes County. She is the 
widow of the late Mr. Monroe Coleman and the mother of three adult 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Celaine Gordon Coleman for her dedication to serving others and giving 
back to the African American community.

                          ____________________