[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E184-E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF MINISTER OLLIE W. TARVER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2018

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my 
sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a dedicated 
woman of God, community servant, and friend of longstanding, Minister 
Ollie W. Tarver, who is celebrating her 82nd birthday on Saturday,

[[Page E185]]

February 17, 2018. On this day, there will be a celebration at Dawson 
Elementary School located at 180 Northstar Drive in Columbus, Georgia.
  Minister Ollie Woods Tarver was born on February 17, 1936 in 
Hatchechubee, Alabama to the union of the late Mr. William Woods and 
Minister Mattie Mae Woods. A product of the Russell County School 
System, she graduated from Russell County Training School, and went on 
to earn a Bachelor's of Science degree from Albany State University and 
a Master's of Science degree from Fort Valley State University in 
Elementary Education. Throughout her career, she taught in the Muscogee 
County School System for 31 years.
  Minister Tarver is not only a profound educator but also a strong 
spiritual leader. Throughout her pastoral career, she has played a 
leading role in several religious-affiliated and community-based 
organizations. In addition to serving as pastor of Ollie Tarver 
Ministries, she has also served as Chaplain for several institutions 
and entities including: Christian Life School of Theology; Beacon 
University; Columbus Chamber of Commerce; Columbus City Council; and 
Fountain City Care and Rehabilitation.
  George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends 
on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, 
sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong 
because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' 
Minister Tarver has gone far in life because her everlasting faith in 
the Lord is vivid testimony of His greatness to all whom she 
encounters. Her love and commitment to Christ is reflected in her 
compassionate leadership, which makes her a guiding light within the 
community.
  Minister Tarver has accomplished many things in her life but none of 
these would have been possible without the grace of God and her loving 
husband, Otis; their son, Earl; six grandchildren; and three great-
grandchildren. On a personal note, my wife Vivian and I have truly been 
blessed by Minister Tarver's sage counsel, encouragement, and enduring 
friendship over the many years that we have known her.
  Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 
constituents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia ask my 
colleagues in the House to join us in commending and recognizing 
Minister Ollie W. Tarver for her selfless service to God, the church, 
and to humankind. We extend our best wishes to her as she and her 
family and friends celebrate her 82nd birthday.

                          ____________________