[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19341]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MARY JO SHARPE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Mary Jo Sharpe, a shining example of a true lady, in my hometown of 
Somerset, Kentucky. Sadly, Mary Jo passed away on July 8, 2008, at the 
age of 76.
  Mary Jo and her husband of 58 years, Jim Sharpe, are lifelong 
residents of Pulaski County, Kentucky. Together, they were one of the 
most thriving and generous entrepreneurial couples that Southern 
Kentucky has ever seen. Through hard work during their life together 
they started and operated numerous successful business ventures. They 
led a distinguished career in grocery and food retail business, 
automobile dealerships, marinas, restaurants, and most notably the 
houseboat industry where Jim and Mary Jo are recognized as the pioneers 
of the industry.
  As successful as Mary Jo and Jim were in their business life, their 
real sense of pride and love was found in their family. They raised 
four children and nine grandchildren. Mary Jo, or ``Mim'' as her 
grandchildren call her, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and the 
rock of the family. She was the heart, soul and guiding light helping 
to lead her children and grandchildren through the trials and 
tribulations of life. ``Mim'' was the eternal optimist always giving 
encouraging advice and making those around her a better person.
  Mary Jo's other great love was for her church, First Baptist Church 
of Somerset. Jim and Mary Jo were married at First Baptist Church on 
April 4th, 1950. She was a lifelong member and taught the junior and 
senior girls Sunday school class. Mary Jo was instrumental in the 
construction of the new sanctuary for the church and was also the 
``Happy Birthday Voice'' for First Baptist's outreach program.
  In addition to raising her family and church duties, Mary Jo found 
time to be president of the local PTA and contribute in various ways to 
the educational system throughout her life. She also loved to sing and 
did so on local radio stations and at numerous weddings and funerals.
  Mary Jo Sharpe was a graceful, friendly, caring, patriotic, beautiful 
woman. She believed that ``positive things happen to positive people''. 
Mary Jo was a Christian woman and an angel on earth and she is now 
basking in the glory of her Savior.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory 
of Mary Jo Sharpe. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy and 
character will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of her 
loving family and friends.

                          ____________________