[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 126 (Thursday, July 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1095-E1096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN CELEBRATION OF MRS. ROBENA GAINES-FLAKES

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2018

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my 
sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a phenomenal 
woman of God, dedicated educator, and beloved role model, Mrs. Robena 
Gaines-Flakes, who will be celebrating her 83rd birthday on Saturday, 
August 18, 2018. On this day, there will be a celebration at Fourth 
Street Missionary Baptist Church located at 222 Fifth Street in 
Columbus, Georgia.
  Mrs. Robena Gaines-Flakes was born in Phenix City, Alabama in 1935. 
After graduating from South Girard High School, she went on to study 
Early Childhood Education at Morris Brown College and Columbus State 
University.
  Mrs. Flakes is a loving mother to her children and was a supportive 
wife to her late husband, Rev. Dr. J. H. Flakes, Jr., and compassionate 
first lady to his congregations at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist 
Church in Columbus, Georgia and Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in 
Phenix City, Alabama. Together they used their deep and abiding faith 
in the Lord to make a tremendous impact on their community. Their son, 
Rev. J. H. Flakes, III now pastors over Fourth Street Missionary 
Baptist Church and previously pastored over Good Hope Missionary 
Baptist Church.
  Mrs. Flakes is also the Founding Director of the Fourth Street 
Daycare Center (now the Robena Gaines Flakes Daycare which was 
established in 1993. During her tenure as Director, the center expanded 
its roster (from 56 children to over 150 children daily), facility, and 
programs and services (to include an after-school program for 
elementary school students). It was also the first daycare to receive 
the ``Center of Distinction Award'' from the state of Georgia. She 
served in this capacity for 12 years until she retired as Director in 
2005 and went on to serve as a Consultant.
  Mrs. Flakes has received several accolades and awards for her work 
with the youth. These awards include the Rosa Parks Women of Courage 
Award from the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, 
Inc. and the Gracious Ladies of Georgia Award.
  Mrs. Flakes has accomplished many things in her life but none of 
these would have been possible without the grace of God and the love 
and support of her late husband, their children, Reverend J. H. Flakes, 
III, Merle J.

[[Page E1096]]

Flakes, and Sencira Flakes; and four grandchildren.
  Proverbs 11:25 says, ``A generous person will prosper; whoever 
refreshes others will be refreshed.'' ``Mama Flakes'', as she is 
affectionately known, has given her life to God and dedicated herself 
to the service of others. On a personal note, when I came to Columbus, 
Georgia in 1972, she nurtured me as if I was one of her children, and 
for that I will be forever grateful. I can say without reservation that 
she is one of the most passionate and warmhearted individuals I have 
ever met. I am proud to consider Mama Flakes and the Flakes family as 
friends of longstanding.
  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 of Georgia, in commending and recognizing Mrs. Robena Gaines-
Flakes for her selfless service to the youth, the church, and to 
humankind. We extend our best wishes to her as she, her family, and 
friends celebrate her 83rd birthday.

                          ____________________