[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E302-E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING ANNIE VIRGINIA JOHNSON RICE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 2020

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to pay tribute to Annie Virginia 
Johnson Rice and celebrate her 100th birthday.
  Annie Virginia Johnson Rice was born in Brightwood, Virginia on March 
12, 1920. She was the sixth of 11 children born to the late Ernest and 
Louise Johnson and educated in the Madison County School System. She 
received her early Christian education at the Chestnut Grove Baptist 
Church, where she was baptized in the Robinson River.
  Annie moved to Washington, D.C. as a young woman and soon developed a 
keen appreciation for many of Washington's cultural attractions.
  Her life's work was caring for her children and late husband. She was 
the adoring wife of the late James A. Rice and a devoted mother, 
grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother.
  She is similarly committed to her church and community. Annie is a 
long-time member of Simms United Methodist Church and has served as a 
communion steward, church

[[Page E303]]

greeter, and assisted with the acolytes for many years.
  In addition, Annie was an active volunteer with the Meals on Wheels 
Program for more than 20 years. The program allowed her to do what she 
enjoys most--travel around her adopted hometown to improve the lives of 
others.
  But Annie's favorite passion is hats. At church, she can be found in 
her pew regally adorned in one of her many decorated hats with matching 
gloves and handbag. Her favorite color is purple, but her accessories 
can be a rainbow of colors.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and recognize Annie 
Virginia Johnson Rice for bringing joy and love to so many people and 
celebrate her 100th birthday.

                          ____________________