[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E356-E357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MALLIEVE LENORA WICKER BREEDING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2018

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life and

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legacy of the late Mallieve Lenora Wicker Breeding. Breeding was a 
beloved member of the Selma community, investing hours in the city's 
school system and the development of her community.
   Breeding was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Albert Wicker, on August 
29, 1921, as one of three children. Breeding grew up understanding the 
importance of a good education. Her parents often stressed that a 
quality education was the key to improving one's lot in life.
   As a proud graduate of Tremont High School in Selma, Breeding took 
her parents' advice to heart, and matriculated at Huntingdon College, 
in Montgomery, AL. It was during this time when Breeding met and 
married the love of her life, USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles Norton 
Breeding. Lt. Col. Breeding was an instructor at the Maxwell Air Force 
Base and the two met while Breeding was serving as a hostess on behalf 
of Huntingdon College.
   Breeding said it was commitment, trust, communication and lots of 
love that kept their bond alive. The Breeding's marriage produced three 
beautiful children and lasted 54 years, until the death of Lt. Col. 
Breeding. Breeding loved being a mother, and she considered her 
children Charles, Beverly and Nancy to be her life's greatest 
achievement.
   Outside of her duties as wife and mother, Breeding loved to 
volunteer in the community. Lovingly known as Selma's ``Madam 
Butterfly,'' Breeding received state and national awards for her 
volunteer service efforts in the public school system. She was involved 
in the development of butterfly gardens and was responsible for Selma 
being declared the Butterfly Capital of Alabama.
   In 1968, she was the winner of Auburn University's W. Mosely Kelly 
Environmental Award for achievements in forestry, wildlife and related 
resources. She was a charter member of the ``Tale Telling,'' was a 
member of the Benjamin Sterling Turner Memorial Committee and organized 
the Bicentennial Tree Program, which became the Selma Beautification 
Council.
   Breeding was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. She used 
her faith as a driving force for her volunteer work. Breeding believed 
the Lord had given everyone specific gifts in order to help their 
communities.
   In her passing, Breeding leaves behind her daughters, Beverly 
(George) Perkins of Sylacauga and Nancy (Hartley) Smith of Selma; 
grandchildren, Tom (Terri) Perkins of Nolensville, Tennessee, Dena 
Perkins (Brett), Adair of Mountain Brook, Alabama, David Perkins of 
Birmingham, Alabama, Rachel Smith (Brent) Evans of Middletown, 
Delaware, Christopher A. Smith of Springs Grove, Illinois and Cindy 
Breeding (Lee) Holmes of Dothan, Alabama, and 12 great-grandchildren.
   On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, 
and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life 
of Mallieve Lenora Wicker Breeding. We pay tribute to her distinguished 
contributions for the betterment of the State of Alabama, and extend 
deep appreciation for her exemplary service to the community of Selma, 
Alabama.

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