[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E796-E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. ``MOTHER'' BESSIE QUINNIE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 20, 2026

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of 
``Mother'' Bessie

[[Page E797]]

Quinnie, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and 
friend whose love, compassion, and devotion to her family and community 
inspired all who knew her.
  Mother Quinnie was born on November 25, 1930, in Linden, Alabama to 
the late Lemus Mitchell and Estelle Richardson Mitchell. Mother Quinnie 
cherished every moment with her family--a life filled with love and 
compassion until her passing. Her greatest joy was spent as a devoted 
wife for more than half a century to the late Mr. Peter Quinnie and 
mother to Jerry, Charles, Kenneth, Michael, the late Manning, the late 
Albert, the late Melvin, the late Anna Ruth Hugley, and the late Marion 
Haynie. She was later blessed to have twenty-four beloved 
grandchildren, nurturing them with the same kindness and care she gave 
to everyone in her life.
  Mother Quinnie was raised with the strong support of her family from 
the very beginning, helping to shape her into a natural leader in all 
aspects of her life. She had a deep love and compassion for others, 
which she expressed through her role as a devoted community member. She 
previously served as an employee of the Sisters of Charity Hospital, 
working in the housekeeping department. She was later promoted to the 
emergency room sterilization department, where she remained until her 
retirement in 1994. In addition to her professional accomplishments, 
she was a talented homemaker, providing constant care, guidance, and 
support to her family while nurturing a warm and loving home.
  Mother Quinnie was a faithful follower of Christ, serving as a member 
of Jerusalem Baptist Church. She later became a member of Thankful 
Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued to serve the Lord 
faithfully as a devoted and loving church mother, inspiring all who 
knew her through her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
  Mother Bessie Quinnie lived a life of devotion to her faith, family, 
and community. Her unwavering commitment to those she loved and her 
compassion towards others had a profound impact on all who knew her. 
Mother Quinnie was a woman who believed in the importance of family 
above all else and worked tirelessly to support those around her. Her 
kindness, loyalty, and warmth will forever be remembered. Let us honor 
her legacy by living as she did, with devotion to family, faith, and 
above all, love.

                          ____________________