[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1337]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO ELISE JONES MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2015

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful 
woman and South Carolinian who is turning 100 years old on February 
7th. Elise Jones Martin has been a stalwart of her community in 
Columbia, South Carolina for decades, and is very deserving of this 
recognition she is receiving from people all across the State of South 
Carolina.
  Ms. Martin was born in Hartsville, South Carolina and arrived in 
Columbia in the 1930s following cosmetology training in New Jersey. She 
later attended South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, SC where she 
received her teaching certification. She taught for many years at 
Booker T. Washington High School and was very active in her trade's 
professional organizations.
  Ms. Martin became the first African American woman to own a business 
on Main Street in Columbia when she opened a wig shop called Accent 
Elise. She became a dedicated and trustworthy member of the community. 
She worked with the Columbia Housing Authority on its Hope VI program 
and served as a poll worker for over three decades. In 2008 she served 
as the poll manager to her polling location at the youthful age of 94. 
She has also served as a member of the Columbia Zoning board and a 
member of the America Beautiful Committee of the Midlands.
  She believes that citizens must take part in the change they seek and 
has been a tireless worker through the City of Columbia. Ms. Martin has 
been extremely dedicated to Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she's been a 
member for more than 70 years and has held many leadership positions. 
Her deep and lasting commitment to her church and her community have 
made her a valuable asset. She has always been very approachable. Her 
wisdom, friendship and compassion are often sought and highly valued by 
her family and fellow citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in 
congratulating Ms. Elise Jones Martin on this tremendous milestone. It 
is very fitting that her valuable contributions and this celebration of 
100 years of life are being recognized by her family and friends for 
all she has done to give back to those with whom she has shared a 
century of blessed experiences.

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