[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 33 (Friday, February 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  REMEMBERING REV. MARY CLIMONS LACEY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 22, 2019

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable 
life of Rev. Mary Climons Lacey, a pillar of our community who passed 
away this month at the age of 80.
  Rev. Lacey made an indelible mark on our communities by tirelessly 
serving those at the margins. Across Lake County, children in need, the 
homeless, and inmates and their families directly benefited from her 
generosity and boundless energy.
  Mary broke multiple barriers throughout her life. She was born to 
humble beginnings, as one of ten children in rural Mississippi. At age 
21 she moved to Florida to further her education, where she met her 
late husband William, and eventually settled in his hometown of 
Waukegan. She found work as a contractor at Naval Station Great Lakes 
as well as handmaking elegant hats.
  Never one to rest, she continued to study and was ordained a pastor, 
became a foster parent, and earned a certificate in social work.
  In Waukegan, her memory lives on as the namesake of Mary's Mission, a 
homeless shelter she founded that has provided shelter to hundreds of 
individuals in times of need, and has helped them develop the job 
training and skills they need to get back on their feet and live 
independently.
  Mary was also a fierce advocate for children, bringing joy to young 
residents during the holidays. Mary teamed up with the Waukegan police 
department to start a toy giveaway program for children who might not 
receive a gift during the holidays. I had the privilege to join several 
of her annual Christmas parades from Mary's Mission to the Lake County 
jail, where she handed out turkeys and toys.
  Her perseverance in helping vulnerable people, touched and improved 
the lives of countless Illinoisans. She truly lived her faith every 
day, and she will be sorely missed. I extend my heartfelt condolences 
to her many family and friends who are mourning her passing.

                          ____________________