[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 61 (Thursday, April 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MRS. FRANCES KEES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL GUEST

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2026

  Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
remarkable life of Mrs. Frances Kees of Magee, Mississippi, as she 
reaches the extraordinary milestone of her 100th birthday on April 6, 
2026. Mrs. Kees has lived a life distinguished by faith, dedication to 
education, service to her community, and a steadfast commitment to 
sharing the Gospel. Her century of life reflects a legacy of leadership 
and faithful service that has touched generations in Simpson County and 
beyond.
  A native of Mendenhall in Simpson County, Frances began her lifelong 
calling in education at the young age of nineteen. At the request of 
then-school superintendent Carlton Traylor, she moved to Magee to teach 
while completing her coursework as a history major during the summers. 
What began as a temporary opportunity soon became a lifelong home, as 
she quickly fell in love with the community and the people of Magee.
  In 1948, she married Robert ``Bob'' Kees, a veteran of the United 
States Air Force who flew twenty-eight missions during World War II. 
Together they built a loving family and raised three children, Kay, 
Bobby, and Jane. Following the untimely passing of her husband, Frances 
demonstrated extraordinary strength and determination as she continued 
to guide and support her family.
  Throughout her life, Frances has remained actively involved in the 
local community. During summers she worked at Stephens Department Store 
and later at Rose Ladies Apparel in Magee. Through these experiences, 
she developed a love of fashion and writing, eventually contributing 
articles for the local newspaper, the Magee Courier.
  Perhaps the most enduring impact of Frances's life has been through 
her faith and ministry. For seventy years, she faithfully served as a 
Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Magee. Through her 
leadership of a ladies' Sunday School class, she helped guide 
generations of women in studying Scripture and growing in their faith. 
Her dedication to sharing the Gospel and encouraging others through the 
Word of God has left a lasting legacy within her church and community.
  In addition to her ministry in the church, Frances also served the 
State of Mississippi as a docent at the historic Mississippi Governor's 
Mansion. Beginning during the administration of Ray Mabus, she welcomed 
visitors from across the state and Nation, sharing stories about 
Mississippi's history and heritage with warmth and enthusiasm. For more 
than two decades, she guided countless guests through the mansion, 
offering insight into the state's past while representing the 
hospitality and pride of the people of Mississippi.
  Those who know Mrs. Kees often remark on her enduring optimism and 
her steadfast belief that life is a gift. Her faith has sustained her 
through both joys and hardships, and she has consistently encouraged 
others to approach life with hope and gratitude.
  I am honored to celebrate Mrs. Frances Kees on her 100th birthday and 
thank her for a lifetime of faith, teaching, and service to the people 
of Mississippi.

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