[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E179-E180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BETTY SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable servant, Betty Smith.
  Betty Hughes Smith, was born June 6, 1953, in Drew, MS. She is the 
youngest, of her siblings. Betty graduated from Drew High School, May 
25, 1971. Her class was the first class to integrate the all white 
segregated high school. This was the one of the happiest moments of her 
life.

[[Page E180]]

  After graduation, Betty started working for Sunflower Humphrey 
Counties Progress, Inc., at the Drew Head Start Center. She retired 
after 25 years. During that time, she received her Associate Degree 
from Coahoma Community College. Although she attended both Mississippi 
Valley State University and Delta State University, she received her 
Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood from Lemoyne Owen 
College, in Memphis, TN.
  Betty has worked for Southern Echo and Genesis Hospice, as a 
Community Outreach Coordinator and Educator. She volunteered for the 
Drew School District for many years.
  Betty was a Sunday School Teacher for Noah Memorial Baptist Church 
for over 20 years until the church closed. Then, she became a member of 
Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she is currently a Sunday 
School Teacher and the Chairperson for the Mother and Mission of the 
Church. In her lifetime, she has served on various boards throughout 
Sunflower County:
  Sunflower Humphrey Counties Progress Board of Directors;
  Tallahatchie Housing;
  Sunflower County Democratic Executive Committee;
  Community Health Advisory Research Program;
  We2Gether Creating Change;
  Vice President of Drew United for Progress;
  Drew Collaborative;
  Civil Rights Committee;
  Sunflower County Economic Development Board; and
  Drew Food Pantry.
  She has received many certificates, awards, and plaques for her 
efforts in community service. She has been a tremendous asset to her 
church and community. Her motivation seems to be prompted by a need to 
help others, and that is what serving God is all about.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Betty 
Smith for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and 
desire to be an example for all.

                          ____________________