[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6201]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND WORK OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER MINNIE SHIRLEY 
                                WIGGINS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2010

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and work 
of County Commissioner Minnie Shirley Wiggins who died on Sunday, April 
18, 2010 after a short illness. Commissioner Wiggins was a well-
respected elected official and community leader in Perquimans County, 
North Carolina.
  Born on February 6, 1933 to the late Mary and Hardy Wiggins, Sr., 
Commissioner Wiggins was a graduate of Perquimans County Training 
School and St. Agnes School of Nursing in Raleigh, North Carolina.
  Commissioner Wiggins served our Nation with honor as a United States 
Navy Nurse Corps Captain, serving aboard the USS Sanctuary during the 
Vietnam War. She was a proud member of the American Legion, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.
  During her more than 20 years as a Perquimans County Commissioner, 
she provided a passionate and tireless voice for the youths and senior 
citizens of the Albemarle Region. She worked as a volunteer with 
elementary school children and devoted significant time to the Meals on 
Wheels program. She earned recognition for her devotion to public 
service, including North Carolina's highest honor--the Order of the 
Long Leaf Pine.
  Commissioner Wiggins had a great passion for her church, Melton Grove 
Missionary Baptist Church of Winfall, North Carolina, where she was a 
devoted member for many years.
  She is survived by brothers, Percy A. Wiggins Sr. and Horace Wiggins; 
brother/son Hardy Wiggins Jr.; daughter/niece C. Loretta Buggs; and a 
host of nieces, nephews, adopted sons and daughters, godchildren and 
extended family.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise to recognize the life 
and work of Commissioner Minnie Shirley Wiggins and her outstanding 
public service to the community. I also ask that we pass along our best 
wishes and prayers to her family, friends and loved ones during this 
time of bereavement.

                          ____________________