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CELEBRATING MARION F. SMITH'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
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HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Marion F. Smith, a constituent of Virginia's 4th Congressional District. This July 20th, Ms. Smith will reach the milestone of her 100th birthday.
Marion F. Smith was born on July 20, 1922 in Chesapeake, Virginia, to Isaiah and Laura Ferebee. Laura, a mid-wife, and Isaiah, a farmer, raised their 7 children through the Great Depression and encouraged each of them to chase opportunities and live their lives to the fullest.
Ms. Smith learned about perseverance early on. In elementary and middle school she walked five miles each way to and from school. In 1939, she graduated from Providence High School and was married in 1943. While this marriage ended in 1960, it provided her with 3 beloved children: Roderick, John, and Rita.
A lifelong learner, Ms. Smith sought education at every level. She was initially able to take classes at Women's College in Greensboro and Norfolk State University. She earned enough credits to enter the Teacher Corps Program in 1971 and graduated from Norfolk State University in 1973 with her B.S. in Elementary Education. She also found time to serve her community by working for the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP) in Norfolk, helping to alleviate poverty in low-income communities.
After graduation, with her degree in hand, Marion returned to Chesapeake and became a teacher in Chesapeake Public Schools. The lifelong learner she was, Marion continued her education and graduated from Old Dominion University with her master's degree in education in 1987. She retired from Chesapeake Public Schools in 1989. Ms. Smith is also a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for Educators, in the Alpha Lambda Chapter.
In addition to her passion for education, she is also a woman of faith. She grew up in a Christian family and is currently a member at Covenant Fellowship. She is also a Past Matron of The Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia.
While Marion has centered her life around education, service, and spirituality, she also loves to bake and cook, she loves cars and houses, and especially loves to bowl. After retiring, Marion decided to take up bowling and continued her bowling career until she turned 97. She still notes how much she enjoys the sport.
Marion has lived a life of faith, love, and grace.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Marion F. Smith a happy 100th birthday.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 124(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 124(2)
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