[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MARY INA JONES HENDLEY

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                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 2021

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
100th birthday of Mary Ina Jones Hendley.
  Ina was born November 25, 1921, to Fisher and Mary Griffin Jones, a 
farming family in South Georgia. One of 14 children, her family 
depended on her to help with childcare and their farm. Her father was a 
carpenter and businessman, so she also helped in the family store. Ina 
graduated high school the top of her class in Nashville, Georgia.
  Like her father, she was proficient in mathematics. She worked for a 
local agricultural manufacturer until marrying her high school 
sweetheart, Willard Hendley. Willard served proudly in the United 
States Navy during World War II, in the Pacific theater. They lived in 
several port areas during the war. Later they returned to raise their 
two daughters in Nashville.
  Ina and Willard assumed leadership roles, in the community and their 
church. Accounting was Ina's interest and she completed courses that 
led to work as a finance officer at Moody AFB, Valdosta, Georgia. She 
continued her education through off-campus courses offered by Troy 
University and attained a BS in Business. She also earned an MBA from 
Valdosta State University. After her daughters left home, Ina accepted 
a position as Payroll Supervisor at Patrick AFB, in Satellite Beach, 
Florida.
  They witnessed rocket launches near Cape Canaveral and enjoyed having 
their grandchildren observe these historic events. When she retired at 
70, her coworkers gave her a signed photo of the space shuttle. After 
retiring, Ina was a caregiver for Willard. During this time, Ina worked 
towards a Religious Education degree, including time as an extension 
student with New Orleans Baptist Seminary. She completed several 
mission trips with her church teaching English as a Second Language.
  In her early 80's, Ina returned to her hometown of Nashville and sang 
in church choir, helped at the food bank and served as a ``Pink Lady'' 
at the hospital and nursing home.
  In 2013, she moved to be near her second daughter and resides in 
Alexander City, Alabama. Ina attributes her health to being active; 
loving to walk, exercise and read.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ina and wishing her a 
very happy 100th birthday.

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