[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ISAAC PALMER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable person, Mr. Isaac Palmer.
  Mr. Isaac Palmer was born on May 23, 1914 in Sharkey County, 
Mississippi, the oldest of nine children born to the late Reverend 
Littleton and Frances Nathaniel Palmer. Mr. Palmer was married to the 
late Vera Lee Bell Palmer for over 50 years. He has eight children: 
Betty, Geraldine, Odell, Isaac Lavelle, Nina, Patricia, David 
(deceased) and Fred (deceased).
  Mr. Palmer wanted to attend school badly; but, he had to leave school 
when he was twelve years old, in the 6th grade, to work on the farm and 
help provide for his younger sisters and brothers. However, he didn't 
let this stop him. He learned to read, write and speak more fluently by 
studying the Holy Bible. Mr. Palmer was a ``jack of all trades'', doing 
things like driving tractors, farming, welding and being a mechanic, 
just to name a few.
  At an early age, Mr. Palmer accepted Christ as his Savior. He was an 
active member of New Hope Baptist Church in Blanton, Mississippi, where 
he served as Senior Deacon and Superintendent of the Sunday school for 
many years. During this time, he led many children, friends and 
acquaintances to Christ. He has been and remains a laborer for Christ 
for more than 85 years.
  Though Mr. Palmer only had a 6th grade education, he remains 
passionate about helping and encouraging his children and other young 
people to get as much education as possible. To help out, he would 
drive his own children to and from Alcorn and Jackson State 
Universities, as well as their friends who lived in the area (free of 
charge), after working all day.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Isaac 
Palmer for his dedication to serving and giving back to his family and 
community.

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