Recognizing the Life of Thelma C. Childers

Floor Speech

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Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding life and service of Thelma C. Childers.

Thelma was born on March 31, 1922, in Clover, South Carolina. Her doctor told her mother she would not live past the age of 2 due to a heart murmur, but Thelma proved that doctor wrong and just celebrated her 100th birthday.

Raised on a farm by a single mother, Thelma understands the value of hard work. During the day, her mother worked as a makeup artist at the local cemetery, and at night, she tended to the cows and other farm animals. Despite growing up during the Great Depression, Thelma never knew she was poor--she just knew she was happy and loved.

Thelma was married to the late Joe Childers for over 50 years. Joe was in the Navy and fought in the South Pacific during World War II. Throughout their joyful and prosperous marriage, Thelma helped Joe run his own life insurance business. The two were also big supporters of St. Jude Children's Hospital and members of the Travelers Protection Association, an organization that helps communities through travel safety issues, children safety programs, and various community service projects.

A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Thelma is the epitome of a family matriarch. After attending Northside Baptist Church for most of her life, she now enjoys attending Eastside Baptist Church with her grandson Justin as often as she is able.

Thelma's secret to her health and long life is ``working hard in my yard, because all I have known my whole life is hard work and hard work hasn't ever hurt nobody.'' In addition to spending time with her family, her true passion is spending time outside digging in her flower beds.

On behalf of the Fifth District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize and celebrate the incredible life of Thelma Childers. May her life continue to be filled with joy, good health, and family.

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