Archive-Name: gov/us/fed/congress/record/2000/dec/04/2000CRE2117
[Congressional Record: December 4, 2000 (Extensions)]
[Page E2117]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr04de00-34]                        

           TRIBUTE TO MARY ALICE CARTER ON HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 4, 2000

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special
person, Ms. Mary Alice Carter, as she celebrates an important milestone
in her life.
  Mary Alice Carter was born 80 years ago, on December 31, 1920, in
Alamance County, North Carolina. Her proud parents were William and
Maude Howard, and she was the 5th of four brothers and four sisters.
Since her earliest years, her strong, living and vivacious personality
has placed her at the center and circle of family and friends.
  Seeking opportunities for herself and her family, she left the
familiarity of her North Carolina home in 1964 and moved to Newark, New
Jersey, and began a new life. Hard work has been the hallmark of Mary
Alice's life, and to ensure the best life possible for her two
daughters, she worked in a number of positions in hospitals and jails,
and as a domestic. Her hard work enabled her daughters to pursue their
goals, and both remain grateful to her for her sacrifices on their
behalf. Mary Alice joined the New Hope Baptist Church right away after
arriving in the North. Next to her family, her Church is her greatest
love and forms the core of her life. For 35 years she has been active
in its life, including being President of the Pastor's Aide Club from
1972 to 1993. She was honored to be named Mother of the Church, a
position from which she inspires the lives of the young members of the
Church and brings joy to her friends as well.
  The home of Mary Alice is a central gathering place for family and
friends alike. Her hospitality and living personality have brought
people together for many years, with the most important moments:
graduations, birthdays, holidays, church and community celebration--
spent at Mary Alice's Her legendary cooking, particularly sweet potato
pie and coconut cake, has been attracting family and friends alike for
a lifetime.
  Most important, in addition to being a role model for members of the
community, she has been a devoted, supportive mother to her two
children, Mary Lee and Susan; her four loving grandchildren, Loretta,
Janice, Shawn and Samantha; and a new great-grandmother to Janesha.
  As a loving family member, generous friend, and inspiring community
member, Mary Alice Carter is greatly appreciated and loved by so many
as she celebrates her 80th Birthday.
  Mr. Speaker, as Mary Alice Carter's family and friends gather to
honor her, let us join in sending our best wishes for a Happy 80th
Birthday and many joyful times ahead.

                          ____________________