[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E192-E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MRS. PATRICIA JOHNSON LOVE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
businesswoman and community leader, Mrs. Patricia Johnson Love.
  Patricia Dale Johnson Love graced the earth in September of 1969. She 
is the third youngest of many siblings. She was born to the late 
Lucious and Jessie Mae Johnson. On a gloomy day, while she was only 3 
years old, in March of 1972, the youngest of the siblings was born. 
After her mother gave birth to her little sister, she hemorrhaged and 
transitioned. Ten years later, when she was only 13 years old, her 
father passed away. Although Love was too young to understand, life for 
her was about to be a challenge.
  She spent her childhood in different homes. Not all of them were 
good, but she and her siblings made the best of them. She would often 
think about the mile walk to the well to carry water, with no shoes on, 
on a rock road. She and her siblings trusted God every step of the way.
  Love graduated from Quitman County High School in 1987. She attended 
Northwest Community College and graduated with an associate degree in 
Basic Computer Programming. While at Northwest, she made her money by 
fixing young ladies' hair in the dormitory. After a year of employment, 
she decided to save her money and attend Cosmetology school.
  Love began her career as a licensed cosmetologist in 1993 at Lewis 
Beauty Salon in Marks, Mississippi. In 2002, she stepped out on faith 
and opened her own salon. She wanted to give new stylists a place to 
start their career. Her favorite clients were the elderly. She would 
pick up those who needed a ride and take them home. She never gave it a 
thought because their children would be at work. Sometimes, she would 
even have to take them to the grocery store or the post office before 
driving them home.
  In 1994 during the ice storm, God gave her a gift. She named her 
gift, Altrevia Rashun

[[Page E193]]

Jackson. Love became a single parent when her child was only four years 
old. During this time, she became ill. For three years, she suffered 
with Crohn's disease. She kept the faith and prayed that God will let 
her raise her child. After surgery in 1999, she was healed.
  In 2013, she married Donnie Ray Love. Donnie was also a businessman, 
who inspired her to pursue other avenues. Together, they have 4 
children.
  After her daughter graduated from high school, she was hesitant on 
completing college. Love knew her daughter's capabilities, and she knew 
she had become distracted. She challenged her to a bachelor's degree. 
She attended Mississippi Valley State University and asked her daughter 
to attend. She knew that she had bitten off a bit much, but there was 
no turning back. The bond between the two grew even more, as they 
traveled to school together at night.
  In 2017, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business 
Administration and a concentration in Occupational Management. She 
wanted a mother and daughter graduation, but her daughter was not quite 
ready. She finished the next year in 2018.
  Love's professors thought it would be great for her to pursue a 
master's degree. She knew it would be difficult, but not impossible. In 
2019 she received her master's degree in Business Administration, with 
honors.
  Patricia understands the full phrase of ``it takes a village to raise 
a child.'' She sees guiding children as a community effort. She loves 
children and wishes she could save them all. Therefore, she enjoys 
spending her spare time volunteering and tutoring at the Village in 
Marks, Mississippi.
  Love is the owner and operator of PJs Salon for 21 years and has 
served 28 years in the business.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Patricia Johnson Love for her dedication in serving her community.