[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF THELMA C. CHILDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2022

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding 
life and service of Thelma C. Childers.
  Thelma was born on March 31, 1922, in Clover, South Carolina. Her 
doctor told her mother she would not live past the age of 2 due to a 
heart murmur, but Thelma proved that doctor wrong and just celebrated 
her 100th birthday.
  Raised on a farm by a single mother, Thelma understands the value of 
hard work. During the day, her mother worked as a makeup artist at the 
local cemetery, and at night, she tended to the cows and other farm 
animals. Despite growing up during the Great Depression, Thelma never 
knew she was poor--she just knew she was happy and loved.
  Thelma was married to the late Joe Childers for over 50 years. Joe 
was in the Navy and fought in the South Pacific during World War II. 
Throughout their joyful and prosperous marriage, Thelma helped Joe run 
his own life insurance business. The two were also big supporters of 
St. Jude Children's Hospital and members of the Travelers Protection 
Association, an organization that helps communities through travel 
safety issues, children safety programs, and various community service 
projects.
  A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Thelma is the 
epitome of a family matriarch. After attending Northside Baptist Church 
for most of her life, she now enjoys attending Eastside Baptist Church 
with her grandson Justin as often as she is able.
  Thelma's secret to her health and long life is ``working hard in my 
yard, because all I have known my whole life is hard work and hard work 
hasn't ever hurt nobody.'' In addition to spending time with her 
family, her true passion is spending time outside digging in her flower 
beds.
  On behalf of the Fifth District of South Carolina, it is my most 
sincere pleasure to recognize and celebrate the incredible life of 
Thelma Childers. May her life continue to be filled with joy, good 
health, and family.

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