[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 126 (Thursday, July 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF WILLIE MAUDE ATKINSON

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                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2019

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th 
birthday of Willie Maude Atkinson.
  Willie Maude Atkinson was born on August 20, 1919 to Maude and Will 
Bates of Hobson City, Alabama. She attended the Calhoun County Training 
School (formerly C.E. Hanna Elementary School and currently Hobson City 
Hall), and has been a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 
since 1930.
  In 1942, Willie Maude married Clyde R. Atkinson. Clyde passed away in 
1988. They were blessed with three children, five grandchildren, five 
great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. She is the oldest 
citizen born in Hobson City, and the oldest member of the Priscilla and 
Aquila Order of the Eastern Star.
  In the early 1940s, Willie Maude was hired by Howard and Katherine 
Bentley to assist with the care of their seven children while Mr. 
Bentley was serving overseas during World War II. The Bentley children 
and grandchildren considered her a ``second mother and grandmother.'' 
She remained employed by them until her retirement in the late 1990s. 
She also assisted the Bailey, Dewberry, Dumas and Pyles families with 
home care.
  Willie Maude Atkinson has positively influenced many lives in her 
lifetime. She is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her 
family and her ``adopted'' families. Her love and wisdom have been 
passed on for several generations.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing Willie Maude Atkinson a 
happy 100th birthday.

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