[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING MARION F. SMITH'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2022

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and 
accomplishments of Marion F. Smith, a constituent of Virginia's 4th 
Congressional District. This July 20th, Ms. Smith will reach the 
milestone of her 100th birthday.
  Marion F. Smith was born on July 20, 1922 in Chesapeake, Virginia, to 
Isaiah and Laura Ferebee. Laura, a mid-wife, and Isaiah, a farmer, 
raised their 7 children through the Great Depression and encouraged 
each of them to chase opportunities and live their lives to the 
fullest.
  Ms. Smith learned about perseverance early on. In elementary and 
middle school she walked five miles each way to and from school. In 
1939, she graduated from Providence High School and was married in 
1943. While this marriage ended in 1960, it provided her with 3 beloved 
children: Roderick, John, and Rita.
  A lifelong learner, Ms. Smith sought education at every level. She 
was initially able to take classes at Women's College in Greensboro and 
Norfolk State University. She earned enough credits to enter the 
Teacher Corps Program in 1971 and graduated from Norfolk State 
University in 1973 with her B.S. in Elementary Education. She also 
found time to serve her community by working for the Southeastern 
Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP) in Norfolk, helping to alleviate 
poverty in low-income communities.
  After graduation, with her degree in hand, Marion returned to 
Chesapeake and became a teacher in Chesapeake Public Schools. The 
lifelong learner she was, Marion continued her education and graduated 
from Old Dominion University with her master's degree in education in 
1987. She retired from Chesapeake Public Schools in 1989. Ms. Smith is 
also a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for 
Educators, in the Alpha Lambda Chapter.
  In addition to her passion for education, she is also a woman of 
faith. She grew up in a Christian family and is currently a member at 
Covenant Fellowship. She is also a Past Matron of The Order of the 
Eastern Star of Virginia.
  While Marion has centered her life around education, service, and 
spirituality, she also loves to bake and cook, she loves cars and 
houses, and especially loves to bowl. After retiring, Marion decided to 
take up bowling and continued her bowling career until she turned 97. 
She still notes how much she enjoys the sport.
  Marion has lived a life of faith, love, and grace.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Marion F. 
Smith a happy 100th birthday.

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