[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15838]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND DR. A.V. FISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2017

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a 
community trailblazer, father, husband, and man of God, the Reverend 
Dr. A.V. Fisher.
  The Reverend Dr. A.V. Fisher was born the sixth of seven children to 
Essie J. and Corine Caraway Fisher in 1933 in Marshall County, Texas. 
After graduating from Pemberton High School, Reverend Fisher forged his 
own path to become the first male student to graduate Cosmetology at 
Valarie Hurd Beauty College. In 1958, Reverend Fisher brought his 
expertise and work ethic to Fort Worth where he opened his first beauty 
salon. Reverend Fisher immediately transformed the salon into a 
community icon that caught the attention of Ebony and Beauty Trade 
Magazines, ranking him as one of the Top 100 Beauty Operators in the 
United States. The Texas Legislature joined their high praise by 
honoring Reverend Fisher for 50 years as a Hair Stylist and Beauty 
Owner.
  Following his successful barbershop career, Reverend Fisher decided 
to embark on a new chapter of this life by transitioning into ministry. 
He entered the Gospel Ministry in 1963 under the spiritual guidance of 
Reverend James Warren and Dr. M.R. Lester, and later became pastor of 
the Salem Missionary Baptist Church. As a Reverend, Dr. Fisher has 
welcomed hundreds to his church; baptized many, ordained over 300 
deacons, and installed over 200 preachers as pastors all over the 
United States. Additionally, Reverend Fisher's service did not waiver. 
He founded the Black Pastor's Association, coordinated the Martin 
Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service and Prayer Breakfast for 30 years, 
and helped found the East Fort Worth Interdenominational Ministerial 
Alliance. Reverend Fisher graduated from the New World Bible Institute, 
and has received numerous awards including an honorary doctorate. He 
has preached all across the United States and the Bahamas.
  Reverend Dr. A.V. Fisher passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 and 
is survived by his wife, Verdell Knighten, and their three beautiful 
daughters, Avis Michelle, Ava LaNell, and Adrain Van.
  I honor and celebrate the life of a dedicated community servant, 
Reverend Dr. A.V. Fisher.

                          ____________________