[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. MAMIE WILLIAMS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 2016

  Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the 100th birthday of Mrs. Mamie Williams. I join her family 
members and friends who gather on January 9, 2016, in Los Angeles, CA 
to commemorate this special day.
  Mamie Williams was born January 6, 1916, in Indianapolis, Indiana to 
Eugene and Helen Dedmon. She graduated from Crispus Attucks High School 
in 1933 and married Lefred Williams that same year. Mamie Williams was 
a woman of many talents and giftings. She was an accomplished pianist 
and her musical talent became well known throughout the community. She 
was also a gifted seamstress with an eye for fashion, as she made many 
of her family's clothes. She began her journey of becoming the Mother 
of 13 children in Indianapolis with the birth of her first son in 1934. 
In 1951, the Williams clan moved to Beaumont, California and finally to 
the greater Los Angeles area where the family resides today.
  Throughout her life, Mamie has been a devoted wife and mother who has 
always been there for her family. Perseverance, hard work, love and 
respect were just a few of the many lessons taught to those who have 
known her. In addition to being a Homemaker, Mamie was a member of 
several service organizations such as the Delta Mothers and the 
American Business Women Association. She also served 30 years as a 
volunteer for the Democratic Party where she worked at local polling 
places on voting day.
  Mamie was a member of the Women's Club at Washington Memorial Church 
where her husband served as a Bishop. Along with the rest of her 
family, she later became a member of the United Church of Religious 
Science in Los Angeles and was a graduate of the inaugural Science of 
Mind class taught by Dr. Hornaday.
  Mamie worked side by side for many years with her husband Lefred in 
the family owned business Youth Town Furniture & Appliances, started in 
1969 on Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles. The store became a staple in the 
local community until Lefred's retirement in 1985, and ultimate passing 
in 1987.
  Today Mamie's legacy includes 11 surviving children, 7 sons and 
daughters-in-law, 24 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Mamie 
has led an outstanding life, highlighted by her love of family and 
service to her community. I wish her many more years of health and 
happiness.

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