[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF NITA THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2011

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Mrs. 
Nita Thomas, whose life and countless contributions to this world 
should be celebrated by all.
  The definitive Southern woman, Nita possessed outstanding character, 
unwavering faith and matchless elegance. She carried herself with such 
charisma and poise guaranteed to light up every room she entered.
  Her deep devotion to her family and friends is one of her most 
memorable qualities. With each encounter, Nita's love and joy she felt 
for her loved ones was evident. I extend my deepest condolences to 
those this wonderful mother and grandmother leaves behind.
  In Acts 20:35, the Lord Jesus himself said ``it is more blessed to 
give than to receive.'' She was a champion for those with special needs 
and passionately worked to ensure each person was met with an accepting 
heart. With all that Nita gifted to everyone she came across, it is 
indeed apparent she lived her life by these words.
  Nita grew in Jackson Parish, where she was taught to love thy 
neighbor as thyself. She never lost touch with her roots. Nita had the 
stature and charm to walk with those in the upper echelons of power, 
but she had the grace and dignity to remember those whom society had 
forgotten.
  Today, our words may seem futile in comparison to the indelible mark 
Nita left in our hearts. Some say--and I honestly believe--that the 
heart has its own memory, one that is more genuine and more sincere 
than the memory of our minds. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know Nita 
has a permanent place in the hearts of those who had the good blessing 
to know her.
  To say that Nita left her fingerprint on the world is an 
understatement. She was a friend and confidant to many, and deemed a 
source of strength by all; I know she will continue to touch and guide 
the loved ones she leaves behind.

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