[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10628]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MAUREEN VIOLA PERCIVAL WILLIAMS

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                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of 
the Fifth Congressional District of Florida and myself, I rise to offer 
a tribute to the life and accomplishments of a great American, Maureen 
Viola Percival Williams, who has, and continues to act as a mentor, 
devout Christian and loving mother. On July 1, 2015, Maureen will 
celebrate her 71st birthday. We exalt Mrs. Maureen Viola Percival 
Williams first for the determination and perseverance that she has 
exhibited throughout her life. Maureen has been no stranger to hard 
work. At an early age the importance of hard work and dedication were 
introduced to Maureen on her father's agricultural farms in the 
mountains of Molyneux in St. Kitts West Indies. Arriving at the farm at 
5:00 a.m., Maureen would weed the land and feed the livestock before 
school each day. These displays of commitment were not reserved solely 
for the weekdays. Mrs. Maureen Viola Percival Williams would spend 
Saturdays by her mother's side assisting in the selling of produce at 
the local market. Few would be able to handle the manual labor of 
Maureen's day-to-day activities, let alone balancing academics 
alongside of it. Mrs. Percival Williams' rigorous work schedule did not 
deter her from successfully completing Primary School and obtaining her 
certificate, which is equivalent to a high school diploma. Maureen 
Viola Percival was then enrolled in typing classes at the Catholic 
Church of Molyneux, where she completed a one year program. After 
marrying Ralph J. A. Williams in 1964, the family moved to the U.S. 
Virgin Islands where her life as a public servant and model citizen 
continued. She became the first member of her family to have children 
born as citizens of the United States after giving birth to her seven 
children: (Vallyn J. A. Williams, Artlyn K. J. Williams, Ralph J. A. 
Williams, Jr., M. Louisa Williams, Barbara N. Williams, Maural F. 
Williams and Jayar D. Williams). In spite of challenges faced balancing 
motherhood and her career, Maureen continued to dedicate her life to 
the church and bettering the lives of others.
  Volunteering as a member of the AFM--Cottage Meeting Group, Maureen 
also spent time as a phone intercessor for the sick and disabled. This 
sort of selflessness is primarily the reason for which I deem this 
tribute necessary. Unfortunately, life often proves to not be as fair 
and just as Mrs. Maureen Percival Williams.
  In 1987 her husband and two daughters were involved in an automobile 
accident which rendered them incapacitated. Yet, amidst Maureen 
Williams' personal struggles, she persevered. Determined to become a 
citizen of the United States, on July 1, 1998 she fulfilled the 
requirements for naturalization and received her Certification of 
Naturalization.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer tribute to Mrs. Percival Williams 
because she represents a group of citizens that are more deserving of 
recognition than any other. Men and women like Mrs. Percival Williams 
are what silently hold this nation together. Those who struggle and 
persevere and those who give back are exactly what this country needs. 
Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Percival Williams acts as a representative for all of 
these groups. Simply put, Mrs Williams is a model citizen.
  In 1999, Maureen once again displayed her caring nature when she 
rushed to the aid of her son in Orlando, Florida who had recently 
experienced an aneurism. These extenuating circumstances are what 
brought Mrs. Maureen Percival Williams to my district. Her love and 
care brought her to our country and the values of perseverance and 
determination instilled to her on her father's farm in the West Indies 
have aided her in face of recent struggles. Mrs. Percival Williams has 
endured the loss of family members, and overcome her own near death 
medical challenges and yet, she perseveres.
  Though Maureen is celebrated for her persistence and determination, 
the title that suits her best is that of which she is most proud; 
caregiver. Mrs. Percival Williams holds her relationship with her 
children with the utmost regard, and prides herself on being a mother 
not only to her own but for the children of others. The lives of those 
directly and indirectly affected by the actions and care of Maureen 
Viola Percival Williams are undoubtedly better. Today we pay tribute to 
a woman of God. Today we recognize Mrs. Maureen Viola Percival 
Williams, a humanitarian, a woman, a wife, a mother, and a citizen of 
the United States of America. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, we are here to 
pay tribute to a hero.

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