[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5658-5659]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO CYNTHIA Y. GASKIN-JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Cynthia Y. Gaskin-Johnson 
in recognition of her contribution to her family and her community.
  Cynthia is the youngest of four children born to the late Mr. and 
Mrs. Ethan Law Gaskin in Colon, Republic of Panama. She graduated with 
honors as a seamstress from Colegio Abel Bravo and was offered the 
position of Personal Seamstress for the Director's wife. However, she 
was unable to accept the job since she immigrated to the United States 
six months after graduation.
  Upon arriving in the United States, she was immediately employed by 
the Bezozi Baby Bonnet Company and remained there for approximately 
five years. In 1966 she married Rupert (Doc) Johnson, a well-known, and 
talented musician. Their marriage brought forth a daughter, Deborah, 
lovingly called Debbie, who has blessed Cynthia with two 
granddaughters: Natasha and Gabrielle. Cynthia also has two loving 
children from her husband's previous marriage.
  In February 1969, Cynthia obtained a job with The Bank of New York 
where she was employed for 31 years. She began as a Customer Service 
Telephone Representative and was promoted to Mutual Funds Legal 
Administrator. Later, she became the Supervisor for the Mutual Funds 
Redemption area. During her career at the Bank of New York, Cynthia 
attended the American Institute of Banking (AIB), receiving a 
certificate in banking. Eventually, Cynthia became a Mutual Funds 
Account Administrator until her retirement on March 31, 2000. Her 
retirement was short-lived as she was rehired less than a year later to 
work part-time for The Bank of New York as a Consultant for the Mutual 
Funds Custody Department.
  Cynthia has a deep and personal relationship with God that flourished 
at the age of 16 when she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior. She is a 
member of the Mt. Zion Tabernacle Christian Mission of Panama. She 
serves on the Executive Board as the Executive Recording, Secretary and 
on the Usher Board as the Treasurer of the Missionary Department. On a 
monthly basis, the Missionary Department provides food and clothing for 
homeless people in the Brooklyn community. Cynthia is also an active 
member of the Sunday School Department and a member of the Church 
Choir. She enjoys performing in the yearly Easter Drama Cantata.
  Mr. Speaker, Cynthia Y. Gaskin-Johnson is devoted to serving her 
community. She enjoys helping those in need and assisting anyone 
seeking a helping hand. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving 
our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in 
honoring this truly remarkable woman.

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