[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ADA LUCILLE WILLIAMS UPON THE OCCASION OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2014

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the accomplishments 
of a virtuous woman, a professional homemaker, positive role model, 
counselor, proud mother, grandmother of nineteen grandchildren, 
fourteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, Ada 
Lucille Williams on the occasion of her 90th Birthday.
   Ada Lucille Williams was born on February 29, 1924, in Vicksburg, 
Mississippi to her proud parents, Robert and Flora (Bass) Williams. 
Raised by her maternal grandmother, Hettie Bass, Ada grew up in the 
segregated South. She often recounts the life and struggles of African 
Americans during this time, noting that she and other black children 
walked to school, while white children rode past them on the school 
buses. Black children were responsible for purchasing their own books, 
while white children were provided with school books by their district. 
It was then she learned the valuable lessons about team work. She 
shared her textbooks with other children who were not fortunate enough 
to have them. This was an early lesson in creatively making ends meet.
   Ada married the late James Louis Williams on September 2, 1942. They 
had nine children. Lucille and James migrated from Vicksburg to Niagara 
Falls, New York. Lucille joined the New Hope Baptist Church where she 
participated in the Missionary Society. Besides raising her children 
and grandchildren, Lucille participated in the March of Dimes, Muscular 
Dystrophy campaigns, and the Center Avenue Parent Teachers Association.
   Affectionately called, ``Ma Williams,'' she is a founding member of 
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as Church Mother, 
Kitchen Committee Chairperson, Missionary Society President, Youth 
Choir Advisor, willing worker and provider of religious instruction.
   Ada's favorite Scripture is Proverbs 22:6, ``Train up a child in the 
way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.'' Her 
devotion to serving others is inspired by her deep spirituality.
   Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor this 
special lady, an incredible citizen who commits her life to the 
betterment of others. I am thankful for Ada's many years of service to 
the community and I wish her many more good and prosperous years.

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