[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H8087-H8088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO NICARSIA MAYES ON HER RETIREMENT

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, along with our good friend, Congressman 
Mel Watt, I am delighted to rise today to say farewell to a very able 
and important American, Nicarsia ``Nikki'' Mayes, who has served this 
House of Representatives for 36 years.
  She began her career in the House of Representatives and for the 
people of the United States on September 7, 1977, when she was hired on 
the recommendation of Congressman Augustus Hawkins of California as an 
elevator operator and entrusted to operate the last ``Members Only'' 
manual elevator.
  In 1980, Nicarsia Mayes, or Nikki as we affectionately know her to 
be, was hired as a staff member of then the Office of the Doorkeeper. 
She was the first African American woman ever hired by that office. 
Because of her dutifulness and her leadership, other doors were opened. 
In 1994, Nikki joined the staff of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, 
serving as a member of the Chamber Security Division until her 
retirement this month, December 2013.

[[Page H8088]]

  It is important to note that her excellent performance, distinguished 
service, and good cheer paved the way for more African Americans to 
secure appointments in the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and other 
important House institutions earning her the respect and friendship of 
her colleagues and, of course, Members of Congress.
  She has a wonderful family, including her son John Mayes, III, who 
works for the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and David, who works for 
the Department of Homeland Security; and her daughter, Tira, who is a 
forensic specialist. You know she has done well at home and well here 
in the House of Representatives. Her children have learned from her. 
Her grandchildren will benefit from her. I am delighted to indicate 
that we have introduced a resolution, H. Res. 444, into the House 
Record to honor Nikki Mayes.
  I am delighted to say that we honor you and appreciate you for 36 
years of service and being a pioneering woman of service and an African 
American woman who led for others. Thank you so very much.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay to tribute to the remarkable 
accomplishments of Nicarsia Mayes, a Capitol Hill trailblazer and the 
first African-American woman to serve as a Doorkeeper of the House of 
Representatives.
  Nicarsia Mayes began her career of service to the House of 
Representatives and the people of the United States on September 7, 
1977, when she was hired on the recommendation of Congressman Augustus 
Hawkins of California as an elevator operator and entrusted to operate 
the last ``Members Only'' manual elevator.
  In 1980, Nicarsia Mayes, or ``Nikki,'' as she was affectionately 
known, was hired as a staff member of the then Office of the 
Doorkeeper, the first African-American woman ever hired by that office.
  In 1994, Nikki joined the staff of the Office of the Sergeant at 
Arms, serving as a member of the Chamber Security Division until her 
retirement in 2013.
  Mr. Speaker, Nikki's excellent performance, distinguished service, 
professionalism, and good cheer paved the way for more African-
Americans to secure appointments in the Office of the Sergeant at Arms 
and other important House institutions, earned her the respect and 
friendship of her colleagues, and endeared her to Members of Congress.
  This month, December 2013, Nikki Mayes retires after 36 years of 
faithful, honorable, and distinguished service to the United States 
House of Representatives and the people of the United States.
  I know my colleagues join me in extending our thanks and appreciation 
to Nikki for her service to our nation and our very best wishes for a 
happy and productive retirement.
  I know how much she is looking forward to spending more time with her 
family, including her sons John Mayes III, who works for the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation; and David, who works for the Department of 
Homeland Security; and her daughter, Tira, who is a forensic specialist 
with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department.
  Inspired by her example, each of Nikki's children learned the value 
of helping others and chose a public service career. That is perhaps 
the greatest testament to the character of this great public servant.
  Mr. Speaker, Nicarsia ``Nikki'' Mayes is a wonderful human being, a 
great friend, and one of the finest public servants I have the honor to 
know. She will be greatly missed but not ever forgotten.

                          ____________________