[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LILLIE ALMA PATTON DEVLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2016

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Lillie 
Alma Patton Devlin, a lifetime resident of Greenwood County, South 
Carolina, on the occasion of her upcoming 100th birthday.
  Born April 13, 1916 into the Jim Crow South, Mrs. Devlin overcame 
obstacles that often seemed insurmountable to lead a remarkable life. 
She and her late husband, John C. Devlin, raised their family with 
strong determination that their children would have a better life than 
they had experience and enjoy a greater slice of the American dream. It 
is very clear that they were successful. Six of their surviving 
children, earned college degrees, three of them have earned Masters' 
Degrees and one has earned a doctorate. These accomplishments were made 
possible by the selfless sacrifices and perseverance of Lillie and 
John.
  Throughout her life, Mrs. Devlin has maintained an unwavering faith, 
which has emboldened her through good times and sustained her through 
difficult periods. She has combined her faith with works, serving her 
beloved Mount Sinai African Methodist Episcopal Church with unwavering 
dedication, and boundless energy. She continues to serve as a Sunday 
school teacher, steward, and trustee.
  Mrs. Devlin has been equally committed to serving her community. 
During her tenure as the delegate to the State Education Association 
from the former Promised Land Elementary School, her reports to the PTA 
were meticulous, informative, and engaging. When Lillie Devlin embarks 
upon any task, she completes it enthusiastically and with excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in wishing Mrs. 
Devlin a very happy 100th birthday. It is a remarkable milestone and 
she is a remarkable woman. I wish her continued good health and 
Godspeed.

                          ____________________