[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     HONORING DORIS ``JILL'' CARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2023

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Doris 
``Jill'' Carson, of Pennington Gap, Virginia. A native Bostonian, Mrs. 
Carson was a beloved figure in the Pennington Gap community since 
moving to the town in 1986.
  An active member of her Pennington Gap community, Mrs. Carson served 
as a Member of the Town Council since 2014, the first African American 
woman to hold the office, and as Vice Mayor since 2019. Shortly before 
her passing, she was elected as the President of the Virginia Municipal 
League. She spent many years volunteering for the Lee High School 
guidance department, assisting students with college applications. She 
also served as a member of the Wells Chapel Church choir.
  Known for her skilled community organizing and engagement work, Mrs. 
Carson dedicated her life to raising the voices of the unheard. As a 
community organizer, she was involved in several matters, including the 
reformation of the jury selection process in Lee County, the 
restoration of voting rights to nonviolent felons in Virginia, and the 
reopening of Lee County's only hospital.
  She, along with her husband Ron, co-founded the Appalachian African 
American Cultural Center in Pennington Gap, to highlight the 
experiences and history of African Americans in Lee County. They 
collected oral histories from Black residents in rural Appalachia, 
while also hosting seminars on racism and oppression.
  Mrs. Carson is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ron Carson, and 
two children Kevin and wife Jacintha Carson (Alexandria, VA) and Alexis 
and husband Mark Perkins (Bristol, VA). Additionally, two precious 
granddaughters Zara and Mya Carson, sister Jackie Barrows and husband 
Anthony, special niece and nephew Tracey Stanley and Troy Johnson, 
mother-in-law Shirley Taylor, uncle Roy Carson and cousin April 
Matthews. I offer them my condolences on their loss.
  She leaves behind a lasting legacy in Southwest Virginia and, her 
presence and friendship will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________