[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22819]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    TRIBUTE TO MRS. THELMA F. RIVERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Thelma 
F. Rivers of Timmonsville, South Carolina, prior to the celebration of 
her 115th birthday.
  Mrs. Rivers was born on November 3, 1885, in Darlington, South 
Carolina, to a mother and father who were born into slavery. This makes 
her one of the few people to have ever lived to experience three 
centuries of American history. Her sharp memory is treasured by all. 
When Mrs. Rivers reminisces about her youth, she remembers picking two 
bales of cotton everyday and sewing quilts with tobacco thread.
  Remarkably, Mrs. Rivers remains independent and capable despite her 
years. She is on no medication, and has no use for eyeglasses, hearing 
aids, or canes. Living alone until last year, she even chopped her own 
wood, being that she chose to remain living in a home still furnished 
with a wood burning stove. Many of her younger counterparts can't even 
boast of this type of health and autonomy.
  Mrs. Rivers has been blessed with several children, nearly 100 
grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and the list continues. 
She attributes her long life to her faith in God and allowing Him to 
``hold her hand while she runs this race.''
  Mrs. Rivers has won no gold medals or Nobel prizes, but today, having 
lived through 115 years is a tremendous and commendable achievement. It 
is a testament to faith, strength, love, and wisdom.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to this miraculous 
South Carolinian upon the celebration of her birthday.

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