[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ALITHER MAE STEPHENS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alither Mae 
Stephens of Copperas Cove, Texas as she celebrates her 100th birthday 
on January 15, 2015. Even with a century of living behind her, she 
remains a vibrant part of her growing central Texas community.
  Born in Cassatt, South Carolina, Alither kept her southern heritage 
alive when she moved to Copperas Cove. Devoted to family, Alither and 
her beloved Edward had one daughter, eight grandchildren, and numerous 
great-grandchildren. She knows the keys to a long life are eating 
healthy, staying positive, and remaining active. Alither continues to 
cook for herself and church, bowling, and civic duties help fill her 
days.
  In her century of living, Alither witnessed her nation's brave 
soldiers defend freedom on foreign shores, watched a humble 
midwesterner take mankind's first steps on another world, and marveled 
at technological advances beyond any of her dreams. She listened to the 
soaring words of a southern minister as he worked to bring equality to 
all Americans and she saw people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds 
join together to make our nation a beacon of hope and freedom. Alither 
saw how America has been defined by extraordinary men and women who 
fought for a country brave enough to confront its past imperfections 
and hopeful enough to embrace a better tomorrow.
  The City of Copperas Cove, Texas proclaimed January 15, 2015 as 
Alither Mae Stephens Day, a fitting tribute to an amazing lady who has 
lived a long life, blessing all she has come into contact with along 
the way. I join her family and friends in celebrating Alither as we 
wish her the happiest of birthdays and nothing but health and 
prosperity in the years ahead.

                          ____________________