[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 2889-2890] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO DORIS COLEY KENNER-JACKSON ______ HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 15, 2000 Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the deeds of a distinguished singer, Doris Coley Kenner-Jackson of Passaic, New Jersey, whose memorial today celebrates her remarkable talents and legacy. She epitomizes a strong spirit and never forgot from where she came. Doris Coley Kenner-Jackson was born August 2, 1941 in Wayne County, North Carolina to the late Zeno and Ruth Best Coley. She was the oldest of five children born to this family. One brother, Leodie, preceded her in death. The world lost a truly remarkable woman on February 4, 2000 when Doris passed away at the Kaiser P. Memorial Hospital of Sacramento, California. Her educational growth began in the two Goldsboro City Schools, Greenleaf and East End, and continued in Passaic where her family moved during the late Nineteen Fifties. Once in New Jersey she continued her education, and attended Passaic High School. During high school, Doris' main pursuit was music. It was at this time that she proved herself to be a remarkable singer. Always an active and involved vocalist, Doris learned much of her skill in the church. Music was her passion and her gift to the world. Her love for music was deeply rooted in gospel. The early years spent singing in the church choir instilled in Doris the attributes necessary for her to become a stellar force in the music industry. It was the small steps in the beginning of her life that taught her the [[Page 2890]] fundamentals that would make her a role model to scores upon scores of people worldwide. Doris has had a remarkable career, which has taken her to the top of the charts. While she was a student at Passaic High School, she and three classmates, Shirley Alston Reeves, Beverly Lee and Addie Mickie Harris formed a pop ensemble that became the Shirelles. The singing group eventually revolutionized the ``girl group'' sound of the Fifties and Sixties. This success was punctuated by ten hit singles including, ``Tonight's the Night,'' ``Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?,'' ``Soldier Boy,'' ``Mama Said'' and ``Dedicated to the one I Love.'' The latter, an American classic, featured Doris as the lead vocalist. It is interesting to note that this sound is experiencing a current renaissance heralded by Britain's Spice Girls who debuted in the United States in 1996. This native of North Carolina, who later moved to New Jersey, found fame and fortune around the world. As a member of the Shirelles, she received numerous awards in many countries. One highlight of her life and career came on January 17, 1996 in New York City, New York when the Shirelles were inducted into the Rock `n' Roll Hall of Fame of Cleveland, Ohio. To mark this achievement, the auditorium of Passaic High School was named in honor of the group. In addition, Doris was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. Doris was united in marriage to Alfonza Kenner, until his death. Together they had two sons, Antonio and Gary. Later, she married Wallace Jackson with whom she had twins, Tracy Jackson and Staci Jackson Richardson. All who knew Doris felt her magic and unique ability to form a distinctive bond with each and every person she met. The magic transcended all boundaries and is a true testament to the loving kindness of her spirit. Despite being ill, she was performing concerts until the end. This includes a series of shows from January 8 through January 15, 2000 aboard a cruise ship. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the City of Passaic, Doris' family, friends and me, in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments in life and in music of Doris Coley Kenner-Jackson. ____________________