[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. LILLIE RUTH GANTT-EVANS

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2018

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
work and service of a dedicated community activist, engaged citizen, 
and dear friend of longstanding Mrs. Lillie Ruth Gantt-Evans. She will 
be honored by South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology (SMART), Inc. 
at the International Cherry Blossom Gospel Extravaganza in Macon, 
Georgia on Friday, March 23, 2018.
  Lillie is a native of Macon, Georgia and a product of the Bibb County 
School System. After graduating from high school, she went on to attend 
Crandall Business College, complete nursing training at Hemlock School 
of Nursing and Spirometry training through Marshfield Clinic at St. 
Joseph's Hospital. She also studied Early Childhood Education at Fort 
Valley State University.
  Once she received her nursing degree, she began working as a nurse at 
Macon Hospital (now The Medical Center). Lillie was one of the first 
African-American nurses to work in the intensive care unit. After five 
years at Macon Hospital, she transferred to Robins Air Force Base 
Hospital where she worked as a nurse. for twenty-five years. Beyond her 
duties and responsibilities as a nurse, she has also dedicated her 
personal life to helping people from all walks of life in her 
community. In 1968, during her tenure at Robins Air Force Base 
Hospital, Lillie opened Gantt's Preschool and G and J Adult Day Care. 
Once she retired from Robins Air Force Base Hospital in 1986, she 
opened M.A. Evans School to help students whose birthday delayed their 
enrollment in school. She kept the school running for 52 years without 
requiring government funding. She renamed G and J Adult Day Care to L 
and J Adult Day Care to pay tribute to her late mother, who helped to 
run her businesses while she worked as a nurse.
  Throughout her career, Lillie has been recognized for her commitment 
and leadership in the community. These acknowledgements include the J. 
C. Penny Golden Rule Award; the Department of the Air Force Service 
Award; the Legendary Educator Award; the Humanitarian of the Year 
Award; an Honorary Doctorate from the City of Macon in 2002; and 
appointments as Lieutenant Colonel, Aide-De-Camp, and to the Governor's 
Staff by then Governor Jimmy Carter in 1991.
  In conjunction with her professional accomplishments, Lillie became 
the first African-American to be appointed as President of the 
Democratic Women's Party and the first African-American woman to serve 
as Chair of the Democratic Party of Macon-Bibb County.
  Lillie's distinguished achievements have been mirrored by her 
extensive involvement in civil rights. After witnessing several racial 
injustices against African-Americans, Lillie decided to get involved in 
the Civil Rights Movement. She marched locally and throughout Georgia 
alongside Hosea Williams, William P. Randall, and Tyrone Brooks to 
advocate for civil rights and equal treatment of African Americans.
  Lillie's faith has always instilled within her a desire to positively 
shape the community in which she lives. As a member of New Pleasant 
Grove Missionary Baptist Church, she regularly incorporates her faith 
into her commitment to public service by serving as an active 
participant in the Gospel Choir, the Nurse's Guild, and the Trustee's 
Ministry.
  Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you 
get, you make your life by what you give.'' We are so grateful that 
Lillie has dedicated her time and talents to improve the quality of 
life for others. A woman of great integrity, her efforts, her 
dedication, and her expertise are unparalleled. Middle Georgia shines a 
little brighter because of Lillie Gantt-Evans.
  Lillie has accomplished much throughout her life, but none of this 
would have been possible without the love and support of her husband, 
Benjamin; her children, Merita, Chandra, Gregory, and Jimmy (deceased); 
her grandchildren; and the countless others positively who impacted her 
life over the years .
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife Vivian and me, along 
with the more than 730,000 constituents of the Second Congressional 
District, in extending our sincerest congratulations and appreciation 
to Mrs. Lillie Ruth Gantt-Evans for her dedicated service to the people 
of Middle Georgia.

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