[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 170 (Monday, October 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THELMA COLLINS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 23, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
celebrate the retirement of Ms. Thelma Collins, who has tirelessly 
devoted herself to the betterment of Itta Bena, Mississippi, through 
her works as a Servant Mayor for 12 years. As a native to this Delta 
community, Mrs. Collins has always believed in her dreams to see Itta 
Bena develop into a vibrant, healthy place for growing up and growing 
old.
  In the pursuit of her vision, Mrs. Collins attended and graduated 
from Mississippi Valley State University, and then continued her 
education by receiving a Master's Degree at Mississippi State 
University. Post-graduation, Mrs. Collins began her career with over 30 
years in education--serving as a teacher, an adjunct professor at 
Mississippi Valley State University, and as a recognized member of many 
civil and spiritual boards.
  In August 1996, Mrs. Collins was elected to serve her first Mayoral 
term in the city of Itta Bena, Mississippi. After sitting four years 
out of office, Mrs. Collins' continued vision inspired her to return to 
office and serve a second term in 2005. Still hopeful to see a 
progressive Itta Bena, Ms. Collins returned to serve a spiritual led 
third term in 2009. However, due to the poor economic state of Itta 
Bena, Ms. Collins refused a salary, and served this final term pro 
bono.
  Amongst Mrs. Collins many noteworthy accomplishments, is her 
dedication and the success she achieved in not only getting the IRS to 
remove the city's lien, but also to abate it's more than $200,000 tax 
debt.
  Mrs. Collins has been married to Reverend Johnny Collins for forty-
nine years. They have one son, John Paul Collins, a daughter-in-law, 
and five grandchildren. At this juncture during her retirement, her 
ultimate aspiration is to continue her works in the improvement and 
livelihood of her citizens of Itta Bena, while remaining close and led 
by her relationship with Christ.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mrs. 
Thelma Collins, for her dedication and service to the great city of 
Itta Bena, Mississippi.

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