[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO ANNETTE POLLY WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 2014

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend Rep. 
Annette Polly Williams. She was the longest serving woman in the 
history of the Wisconsin State Legislature, retiring from public office 
after 30 years of service. Affectionately known as Polly, she was not 
only a former colleague but also a mentor to me and many other new 
legislators. Ms. Annette Polly Williams passed away on November 9, 
2014.
  Polly was born in the Mississippi Delta region of Belzoni, 
Mississippi and moved to Milwaukee when she was 10 years old. She was a 
product of the public school system and a fellow graduate of North 
Division High School. Rep. Williams was committed to ensuring that all 
children received access to a good education. She became the author/
mother of the nation's first true Educational Parental Choice 
Legislation because of her passion and commitment to education.
  Although she is best known for her Parental Choice legislation, Rep. 
Williams was a great stateswoman and made her mark in other areas as 
well: founder of the Black Women's Network, the Milwaukee Parental 
Assistance Center and the Black Leadership Organization. Further, she 
was a co-founder of the African American Alliance providing political 
leadership to Milwaukee's African American community, a founding member 
of the Wisconsin African American Women's Center and served as the host 
of several different programs on a local radio station for many years. 
She was there to bring assistance, whether it was to someone who had 
lost a loved one, experienced a natural disaster such as Hurricane 
Katrina or local flooding. She provided outstanding service to her 
constituents.
  Polly leaves behind 4 children: Winston Williams III (Lynette); 
Mildred Williams; Kimberly Bums (Michael, deceased); and Krystal Oby 
(Joe), grandchildren, a great grandchild and a host of other relatives 
and friends to mourn her passing. She leaves a legacy of a giving, 
willing worker, always providing both support and compassion to those 
in need. Annette Polly Williams leaves a strong example of leadership 
and excellence for her children and grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Polly was my friend and a Milwaukee and Wisconsin 
treasure and I valued her service to the 4th Congressional District. I 
urge you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join 
me in a salute to the late Rep. Annette Polly Williams.

                          ____________________