[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MRS. MONZOLA RANDLE ROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 19, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
lifelong educator, community matriarch, and steadfast servant leader, 
Mrs. Monzola Randle Ross of Cruger, Mississippi.
  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ``Longevity has its place.'' 
That truth finds a shining example in the remarkable career and impact 
of Mrs. Ross, who faithfully served 41 consecutive years with Central 
Mississippi, Inc. Head Start, shaping the lives of more than 2,400 
children across Holmes County.
  Mrs. Ross began her journey in early childhood education as a part-
time secretary at the Holly Grove Head Start Center. Through her 
dedication and love for children, she rose to become a teacher, then 
head teacher, and eventually center manager. Even after the closing of 
Holly Grove, her commitment never wavered. She continued to serve with 
excellence at the Goodman Head Start Center until her recent 
retirement.
  More than an educator, Mrs. Ross was a life-mentor. From her handmade 
brown-paper-bag puppets ``Mr. Do'' and ``Mr. Don't,'' to the life 
lessons she instilled in every classroom, she taught not only ABCs and 
123s, but discipline, respect, and purpose. Her former students have 
gone on to become teachers, entrepreneurs, ministers, realtors, health 
professionals, farmers, public servants, and even Head Start managers 
themselves. In every one of their stories, her legacy endures.
  She holds a national Child Development Associate credential and has 
received numerous awards throughout her career. Yet, her greatest 
reward came from the joy of watching children grow, thrive, and 
succeed--and from the unwavering support of her late husband, Mr. 
Albert Ross, her daughters Rose Berry, Lawanda Ross, and Pamela Wiley, 
and her beloved grandchildren.
  Even in retirement, Mrs. Ross remains a pillar of the Mt. Olive 
Missionary Baptist Church in Lexington, Mississippi, where her 
celebration drew nearly 100 well-wishers--friends, family, and former 
students who came from as far as the West Coast and Chicago. The event 
featured touching tributes, musical performances, and reflections from 
those whose lives she touched most deeply.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and 
celebrating Mrs. Monzola Randle Ross for her extraordinary devotion to 
early childhood education, her love for her community, and her enduring 
legacy of compassion, excellence, and service. Mississippi is better 
because of her.

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