[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1610]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                A TRIBUTE TO HATTIE RUTH PERSONS-NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 11, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of 
Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson.
  Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson was born on July 20, 1938 to the late 
Woodward Thomas Person and Hattie Williams-Persons in Buena Vista, 
Georgia. Hattie was a delightful youngster who loved to laugh and had a 
zest for learning, completing two grades in one year in grade school.
  Hattie migrated to New York City in 1959 where she resided on 
Washington Avenue with her aunt, Fannie Williams, and maternal uncle, 
Elder Eugene Williams, founding pastor of the Evergreen Church of God 
In Christ. Hattie was a dedicated member of Evergreen before changing 
her place of worship in 1972 where she joined the New Canaan Baptist 
Church under the leadership of the late Reverend A.L. Cunningham and 
Reverend Richard J. Lawson, current pastor.
  Hattie's dedication to the Lord and her church compelled her to work 
tirelessly in pursuit of the crown she will receive in heaven. In her 
service at Evergreen Church of God In Christ, Hattie served as a 
Trustee, Data Entry Secretary, president of the Hospitality Committee, 
Christian Council member, Women's Day Committee secretary, and special 
projects organizer. In her service at New Canaan Baptist Church, this 
servant of God was president of the Senior choir, president of Georgia/
Alabama Club, member of the dynamic traveling Mass Choir, member of the 
Matron Mission Club, Chairperson of Women's Day, Pastor's Aide Club 
member and Church Clerk.
  Hattie loved organizing a project and recruited any and everyone who 
crossed her path. She was passionate about upholding the legacy of the 
African-American Experience through her yearly Black History Month 
celebrations, empowering youth with educational trips to Washington, 
DC, giving out literature, overseeing yearly family reunions, and 
organizing various fundraisers and events bringing family and friends 
together, including her famous Reach One, Teach One programs. Hattie 
can surely be described as a people person, a mover and shaker, a 
person of purpose and passion, always lending a hand in support of some 
cause, albeit large or small.
  Hattie was an employee of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in New 
York for thirty years before retiring. After retirement, she joined the 
campaign for Congressman Edolphus Towns and was later hired to work at 
the Towns' House of Representatives District Office on Court Street, 
downtown Brooklyn. She was always dedicated to the service of her 
community. Hattie will be dearly missed by all who worked with her.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
of Hattie Ruth Persons-Nelson.

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