[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E645-E646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING MRS. RUTH BRIDGEFORTH LESTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2022

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of service of Mrs. Ruth Bridgeforth Lester.
  Mrs. Ruth Bridgeforth Lester was born in Southaven Mississippi to Mr. 
Gedie and Mrs. Willie Ruth McGowan Bridgeforth on November 17, 1938. 
She was 13 years old when her mother passed away and she began her 
lifelong journey as family Matriarch. With eight younger sisters and 
brothers she remained devoted and committed to taking care of family 
members. As the eldest, she made many sacrifices to help support the 
family and help her father Gedie raise her siblings.
  Those early experiences prepared her for life as a businesswoman. She 
faced many obstacles planning for business administration and 
ownership, but her past experiences emphasized vision, commitment, and 
a capacity to serve and honor others. Ms. Lester had learned to 
overcome any fears, erasing any and all doubts, and ``bridging forth'' 
to new endeavors. Thus, Ms. Lester became the proud owner of The Final 
Touch, the first nail salon, in Memphis, TN. She and her business 
partner opened the nail salon in October 1972.
  Ms. Lester continues to give, serve, and create capacity throughout 
her family and the

[[Page E646]]

community she lives in and works in across the states of Mississippi 
and Tennessee. She is well known for her savory and healthy meals, even 
giving food to strangers. No one goes hungry around her. She has been 
and continues to be the unbeatable family cook for over 70 years.
  Ruth has lived in the Desoto County area and has been a contributing 
citizen for at least 65 years of her life. As a matter of fact, the 
home that she currently lives in was the last home that her father 
Gedie built, and where she and her siblings were born.

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