[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 133 (Friday, August 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 HONORING CECILIA POPE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TROY E. NEHLS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 23, 2024

  Mr. NEHLS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to 
Cecilia Pope, a constituent of mine who turns 100 years old on August 
26, 2024.
  Her journey began in 1924 as Cecilia Lujan Baca, in Clayton, New 
Mexico, where she spent her early years. She ventured to Denver, 
Colorado for high school, carving out a path of independence and 
growth. In October of 1947, fate introduced Cecilia to her first 
husband, Master Sargent Alfred Hill of the U.S. Air Force. They had two 
children together, John in 1950 and Lisa in 1955. However, tragedy 
struck as they embarked on their move to Biloxi, Mississippi, in July 
1957. Alfred, at the young age of 34, left this world due to a fatal 
heart attack, leaving Cecilia and their two children.
  Undeterred by the hardships, Cecilia moved to Amarillo, Texas, with 
her children. In 1960, she married Alex Pope, and welcomed a daughter, 
Alexis in 1963. As life unfolded, they traversed through various cities 
due to Alex's profession, ultimately settling in Houston in 1966, where 
they rooted themselves in the Sharpstown area.
  Tragedy struck once more when Alex passed away in 1987, yet Cecilia's 
spirit remained unbroken. In 2004, she made the decision to move to 
Katy, Texas, to be near her two daughters.
  Her resilience and enthusiasm for life is inspiring. Despite the 
challenges she has faced, Cecilia remains active, independent, and 
devotes her time to her passions. She's an avid reader, immerses 
herself in the world of literature, and finds solace in her prayer and 
family.
  Cecilia treasures the moments spent with her friends, children, eight 
grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Her dedication to family 
and her unwavering spirit is a testament to her strength. Moreover, her 
faith has been an anchor throughout her life, and is an active member 
of the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy, Texas.
  Cecilia's story is not just one of resilience in the face of 
adversity, but also a celebration of a life richly lived--a life that 
continues to inspire those around her. To that end, I want to once 
again honor her on behalf of the people in the 22nd Congressional 
District of Texas. I wish Cecilia a happy birthday.
  May God continue to bless her and her family every single day.

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