Recognizing the Life and Legacy of Mother Pearlie Mae Strange

Floor Speech

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Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Mother Pearlie Mae Strange, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, devout Christian, and prayer warrior.

Mother Strange was born on April 1, 1934 in Miami, Florida to the James and Arizona Joseph. Her upbringing was grounded by loving, hardworking parents, and a strong foundation in the home which was built upon Mathews 19:19, ``Honor thy father and thy mother,'' and the old saying, ``A family that prays together stays together.'' As the second of eleven siblings she assumed a nurturing and motherly role at an early age, and she used that same unselfish love from her parents and the strong foundation upon which her values were built to guide her in carrying out those roles.

By Divine Providence, Mother Strange met and later married the love of her life, Reverend Dr. Willie Lee Strange, Sr. and on May 2, 1955 the two were joined in holy matrimony. They were blessed with ten children, who blessed them with 27 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 3 great-great children and an additional great-great grandchild on the way.

As a loving and encouraging wife, Mother Strange supported her husband throughout his pastoral walk and served as First Lady of Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, New Mt. Moriah Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church, and Greater Holy Cross Missionary Baptist church. She served in other areas of the Ministry including the Pastor Aid Board, the Women's Ministry, the Youth Ministry, and Sunday School Teacher.

Mother Strange later joined New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Elder Dr. Kenneth A. Duke, Sr., where she served as Church Mother. In 2007, upon the pastoral installation of her son, Rev. Dr. Billy W.L. Strange, Jr., she transferred her membership to Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where, as an avid prayer warrior, she faithfully served in the Prayer Line Ministry and in the capacity of President of the Mother's Board until her passing.

Mother Strange matriculated through the Miami-Dade County Public School System. In her later years, after fulfilling the command to ``train up a child . . .'', she pursued a personal lifelong dream of becoming a Beautician. She enrolled in the Cosmetology Program at Miami Jackson Technical School and later obtained her Certificate as a Licensed Florida Cosmetologist in 1982. God blessed the works of her hands as she pursued her passion in the beauty industry by working at several salons, including the Theatrical Beauty Salon under the tutelage of the late Mrs. Ella Moncur. Mother Strange fulfilled her lifelong dream and established her own home-based salon.

Mother Pearlie Mae Strange was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four children, two grandsons, and four brothers. She leaves precious memories to be cherished by her sons: Rev. Billy W.L. Strange, Jr., Mareiece Strange (Earnestina), Larry Strange and Donald Strange; daughters Agnes Strange (Andy), Marva Bates (Michael), and Tonia Dudley (Billy); devoted sisters Luella Page, Francis Williams and Genice Scott; dedicated brothers Glenroy Joseph, Terry Joseph, Sr. (Diana) and Ernest Davis.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues and all Americans to please join me in honoring the late Mother Pearlie Mae Strange for her untiring love and dedication to her family and her community, and for her strong walk in Christian faith as she has dedicated her life to helping others.

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