[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MAGGIE W. FORREST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. 
Maggie W. Forrest who is a remarkable Director and extraordinary public 
servant.
  Mrs. Forrest was born in Winona, Mississippi, which is located in 
Montgomery County, on December 5, 1958 to Johnny and Birdie Woods. Mrs. 
Forrest is one of ten children.
  Mrs. Forrest attended J.J. Knox School in 1965 and graduated from 
Winona High School in 1976 and completed some courses at Wood Jr. 
College. Mrs. Forrest worked at Winona Elementary School for sixteen 
years. Her first job was a first grade teacher's assistant. Later, she 
became an assistant for a third grade class and afterward an assistant 
for a kindergarten class. During her last three years in Winona School 
System, Mrs. Forrest served as a library assistant. She enjoyed working 
with all students. Reading to classes was her most favorite thing to 
do. After leaving the school system, Mrs. Forrest would see former 
students and some would tell her how much she inspired them to enjoy 
and appreciate reading.
  February 5, 2001, Mrs. Forrest became the first African American 
Executive Director for Winona Housing Authority. She seized that 
opportunity to reach out compassionately and serve people in the 
community. As Executive Director, not only does Mrs. Forrest provide 
safe and sanitary housing for eligible low income families but she 
counsels and encourages her residents when needed and financially 
donates when someone falls on hard times.
  Mrs. Forrest serves on the Zoning Board for the city of Winona. She 
serves as secretary for the United Methodist Women in her church and a 
substitute Sunday school teacher. She is the Vice President for Member 
Services for MAHRO, the Mississippi Association of Housing and 
Redevelopment Officials, and serves on the Member Services committee 
for SERC NAHRO, the Southeastern Regional Council National Association 
of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
  Mrs. Forrest is married to Pastor Nelson Forrest. They have two 
daughters and three grandchildren.
  Mrs. Forrest loves God, her family, her church, her job and all 
people.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a Director 
Extraordinaire, Mrs. Maggie W. Forrest for her dedication to serving 
others and giving back to the African American community.

                          ____________________