[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 68 (Monday, April 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            CELEBRATING THE 101ST BIRTHDAY OF GENEVA GIVENS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 21, 2025

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
celebrate the 101st birthday of an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Geneva 
Givens--a remarkable milestone in a life defined by faith, family, and 
resilience.
  Mrs. Givens was born on March 2, 1924, in Caruthersville, Missouri, 
during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge and in the same year as 
President Jimmy Carter. Over more than a century of life, she has lived 
through some of the most defining moments in our nation's history--
including the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, the 
Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.
  In March of 1939, she married Robert Givens, and together they raised 
five children: Mary Ann Cramer, Louise Givens, Charles Givens, Tony 
Givens, and Jessie Givens. Her family has grown to include 7 
grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-
grandchildren--each a living testament to her enduring love and legacy. 
In 1951, she made Buffalo, New York her home and began building a life 
rooted in faith and service.
  Mrs. Givens became an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where 
she served faithfully on the Number 1 Usher Board. Later, she joined 
Elim Christian Fellowship and was consecrated as a church mother under 
the leadership of Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Bronner--a role she embraced with 
grace and wisdom.
  Throughout her career, Mrs. Givens served her community with care and 
diligence. She worked at the Fisher Price Toy Company, Child and Family 
Services, and ultimately the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she 
retired from Building Management in 1994. Her contributions helped 
shape the lives of countless individuals and families.
  A woman of deep faith and vibrant spirit, Mrs. Givens finds joy in 
simple pleasures--walking during the warmer seasons, listening to 
gospel music, reading her Bible, watching television, and cooking for 
her loved ones. Her signature dishes--sweet potato pie, biscuits from 
scratch, and fried chicken--continue to bring joy to all who gather at 
her table. Even at 101 years old, her heart remains full of dreams: she 
plans to travel to Las Vegas to visit her sister and attend a New York 
Knicks game to cheer on her favorite players, Jalen Brunson and Josh 
Hart.
  Mr. Speaker, today we honor and thank Mrs. Geneva Givens for being a 
truly remarkable woman--an embodiment of strength, grace, and 
unwavering love. Her life continues to inspire all who know her, and 
her legacy is a profound blessing to her family, her community, and 
generations to come. We celebrate Mrs. Geneva Givens on her 101st 
birthday and honor a life that continues to be richly and faithfully 
lived.

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