[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING QUITMAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT LORENZO 
                            ``DC'' WINDLESS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, it is an honor and 
privilege to recognize the Honorable, Mr. Lorenzo Windless, fondly 
affectionately known as, `DC', was born and reared in Darling, MS. He 
is a supportive and dependable brother to six siblings and a dedicated 
and loving son to his mother, Ms. Fannie Windless of Sledge, MS. 
Lorenzo has a genuine love for family, for friends, for the community, 
for our nation and to simply put it he has a love for people.
  We would like to share a few of Mr. Windless' accomplishments and 
positions that he has proudly and effectively held within our 
communities: Lorenzo was born with a heart to help others-at the age of 
18 he was Asst Fire Chief of Sledge MS's volunteer Fire Department, and 
being the trailblazer that he is, he began as a Security Officer at 
Sam's Town Casino in 1994, onto a Police Officer in 1998 promoted to 
Police Chief in Sledge, MS by 2000 (tactical training at Ole Miss 
University) and Mayor of Sledge MS 2001 to 2005. During his tenure, as 
the 1st African American male Mayor of Sledge, MS, a new and robust 
water system was installed, and the town of Sledge celebrated their 
very 1st `Sledge Day.' With the sole purpose of engaging, 
understanding, and assisting and impacting the lives of other African 
American men, DC began a career as a Bail Bondsman in 2010 to current.
  Mr. Windless is a `Man of many gifts.' He started mowing lawns, 
transporting, and cooking for the elderly within the community or those 
less fortunate. Lorenzo became an entrepreneur and community-made 
businessman from 2008 to 2014: owning and operating such businesses as; 
Lorenzo Lawn Service, Big Dog BBQ Catering and Liberty Transportation, 
Wrecker Service and Used Cars.
  Always seeking to inspire, motivate, nurture, and cultivate, Lorenzo 
became a member of the School Board and has served for two terms and is 
currently serving as President of the Quitman County School District. 
He is a board member of the Marks Project Community Work Force 
alliance, where they provide job training, certification and skill 
enhancement. Mr. Windless is also the Lambert Community Housing 
Manager. In the midst of it all, he is pursuing his own educational 
goals as a student of Strayer University College, studying Business 
Administration with an expected end of an MBA Degree.
  All that we do is for naught if we are not doing it for the glory and 
edification of God. Minister Windless accepted his calling as a 
preacher in 2003, where he began as the Youth Minister at St Phillips 
Missionary Baptist Church in Sledge, MS. He became a pastor in 2004 and 
is currently the shepherd of the Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist 
Church in Farrell, MS. He was also the Chaplain for Memorial Hospice 
and Palliative Care. Pastor Windless believes that it is the heart of a 
man that rules him and if he can touch hearts, then minds will be 
changed, and our black heritage will thrive. Moreover, he works 
tirelessly and consistently towards that end.
  All that God has allowed Pastor Windless to accomplish would not have 
been attainable if not for the sacrifices, support, and strength of his 
own family. Pastor Windless is adorned by his eloquent and graceful 
wife of over 20 years, Lady Sharonda Windless and his beautiful and 
respectful daughters: Gabrielle, Alesha and Zaria Windless. As he 
journeys through this life being the example and epitome of a wise, 
courageous, fierce, strong and loving black man--he does so through the 
love and encouragement of his family and by the grace of God. President 
Windless and his family not only open their hearts to those in need, 
but they also open their home to those God has directed to them. With 
their nest one child from being empty, they have taken on the 
responsibility of providing a home, helping to mold and teach three 
other young men. His life is not one of the words but actions and 
deeds.
  A glimpse into the life of Mr. Windless is a reflection of `helping 
others.' He is a man with a God-given vision, the will to press 
forward, and a zeal to change lives. No task set before him has gone 
undone; hurdles placed in his path, have made him stumble, but he has 
yet to fall; conflict, health issues and life itself have thrown darts 
of hatred, bigotry and dismay towards him but he does not bow down nor 
will he back down. President Windless is a man of fortitude, laughter, 
wisdom and truth, wise enough to be patient and humble enough to 
listen.
  It has been an honor to recognize and present an outstanding and 
remarkable Man of God businessman, and community leader.

                          ____________________