[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 125 (Friday, September 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FOR A NORTH CAROLINA TREASURE, MRS. THELMA 
                             PATTERSON CAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2013

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday 
of Mrs. Thelma Patterson Cain, a constituent of mine from Davie County, 
and longtime North Carolinian. It is an honor to represent Mrs. Cain in 
Congress and to introduce her to this body and her country as a real 
national treasure.
  The people who know and love Mrs. Cain, which is everyone who meets 
her, say she is loyal, dutiful, responsible, intelligent, loving, 
beautiful, kindhearted, and gracious. She is a celebrated cook, a 
beloved mother, a cherished ``Grandma,'' and an adopted ``Auntie'' to 
practically all the children in her neighborhood.
  Mrs. Cain was born on September 26, 1913 as the tenth of Henry and 
Julia Patterson's eleven children. With her four sisters and six 
brothers, Thelma grew up in a North Carolina farming family, working in 
tobacco and raising cows, pigs, and chickens.
  In 1939, she married Mr. Samuel Cain and the two had a son, William 
Henry Patterson. She raised Gary Dulin, her grand nephew and current 
caretaker, like her own son as well. Today, Mrs. Cain enjoys the 
blessing of watching her family continue to grow through her four 
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
  In earlier years, Mrs. Cain was employed by North Carolinia families 
in Davie and Yadkin as a domestic worker and was also a waitress at 
Winston-Salem's own Salem Academy.
  A woman after my own heart, Mrs. Cain possesses a green thumb and has 
committed much time in her years to planting flower and vegetable 
gardens in our fine North Carolina soil. Birds, too, are counted among 
the beneficiaries of Mrs. Cain's thoughtfulness as feeding and watching 
them is a favorite of her pastimes.
  Her personal relationship with God has been strengthened through her 
lifetime membership in Mocksville's Chinquapin Grove Missionary Baptist 
Church. Faith in the Lord Almighty has sustained Thelma Cain for 100 
beautiful years, and carried, comforted, and guided her through 
hardship and loss. The heart of compassion, decency, and spirit of 
generosity which characterize this woman are so clearly rooted in 
obedience to God.
  It is an absolute joy to recognize Mrs. Cain's on the occasion of her 
100th birthday celebration. Mrs. Cain, like strong women often are, is 
an anchor for her family, church congregation, and community. She is 
deserving of honor, congratulations, and true celebration on this day 
and for all her days. May God continue to bless Mrs. Thelma Patterson 
Cain with good health, dear friendships, hope and happiness for many 
years to come.

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