Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the prominent career of Ms. Judith Winford, a notable Program Director of Delta State University's school-based Asthma Management Program. In this role, she is responsible for the oversight of asthma case management services in 14 Delta counties and 31 school districts across the Mississippi Delta. Ms. Winford is also an adjunct instructor in the RN program at Coahoma Community College.

She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Tennessee at Memphis and a Master's Degree in Nursing from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She is currently enrolled in a Post- Master's Program at Delta State University.

During her extended career of over 15 years, Ms. Winford has served in the pediatric critical care unit at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. She subsequently served as Nurse Epidemiologist with the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, where she was responsible for surveillance and case investigations for Category 1 Notifiable Disease. Ms. Winford played a pivotal role in helping Memphis and Shelby County health care providers develop emergency response plans for anticipated community disasters.

Ms. Winford has years of clinical expertise in the area of health care risk management. She has served as the risk manager for Memphis Mental Health Institute and Director of Quality and Risk Management at Bolivar Medical Center. In these roles, she has coordinated the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations survey, functioned as a resource for legal counsel, established benchmarks for quality indicators, developed quality goals and objectives, and created innovative tools for medical record auditing.

Ms. Winford holds a national certification as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the Mississippi Nursing Association. While at the Memphis Mental Health Institute, she received special recognition from the Department of Justice for the development of quality tools for patient compliance. Ms. Winford has presented extensively in Tennessee and Mississippi on a variety of health topics. Most recently, she was a guest speaker at the Alabama-Mississippi Sociological Association, Mississippi School Nurse Association, Mississippi Association of Professionals in Health, and the Recreation and Dance Professional Association.

Ms. Winford is the proud mother of one son, who is a senior at the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Judith Winford for her many contributions to healthcare and service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Alexis Montgomery. Although young, Ms. Montgomery has shown what can be accomplished through hard work, diligence, and determination.

Alexis Montgomery, the daughter of Donald C. and Burnidene Montgomery was born July 4, 1982, in Monroe, North Carolina. After graduating from South Mecklenburg High School at the age of 17, she enlisted into the United States Navy, and was stationed in LaMaddalena, Italy. After a year, she was reassigned to Mayport, Florida, for five years where she worked at the base clinic as a Medical Assistant and Lab Technician. She graduated from Sanford Brown Institute in 2003 where she received her certificate in Medical Assisting. After completing her enlistment with the Navy, she gained employment with Quest Diagnostic Laboratory and LabCorp in Jacksonville, Florida.

In 2007, she relocated to Greenville, Mississippi. In 2008, she gained employment at the Greenville Family Clinic, where she currently works under Dr. Bill Maddox. Along with caring for her patients, she is also the loving mother of three children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Alexis Montgomery for her remarkable dedication and service to the community of Greenville, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Mrs. Kerrin A. Flowers, a prominent Board- Certified Family Nurse Practioner serving with the Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility and the Family Health Care Clinic in Grenada, MS.

Mrs. Flowers has been a certified RN for 15+ years and began her advanced practice nursing role in 2009. Throughout her career, she has assumed progressive roles of responsibility such as staff nurse, charge nurse, Nurse Manager, and Assistant Director of Nursing. Mrs. Flowers' hard work and dedication earned her the Employee of the Month Award for outstanding job performance.

Mrs. Flowers received an Associate's Degree in Nursing from Mississippi Delta Community College. She later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Delta State University, and a Master's Degree in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women. Mrs. Flowers is dedicated to the improvement of health care, which is evident in her continuing pursuit of advancement studies in dermatology and narcotic substance abuse. Mrs. Flowers has made many contributions to scholarly nurse research, which includes recent presentations in Treatment Therapy for Bronchiolitis and Treatment in Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Bronchiolitis.

Service to the greater community is another attribute of Mrs. Flowers' career. This is reflected in her service as Chairperson for the Health and Wellness Community Program and her service with the Mississippi Nurses Association, the National Honor Society and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Her participation in a nationwide study earned Mrs. Flowers a Certificate from the National Council of State Board of Nursing.

Mrs. Flowers is married to Fredrick Flowers and is the mother of two sons, Darryl and Deracius Winfield. In her spare time, she enjoys movies and exercising.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues join me in recognizing Mrs. Kerrin A. Flowers for her commitment and service to the cause of health care.

Mr. Speaker, with health care in our nation at the forefront of many discussions, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to honor a notable health care provider, Ms. Eileen Breen. I find it befitting to acknowledge those who help improve the quality of health care in our country.

Ms. Breen moved from New York City, New York in 1991 to serve medically underserved populations in the Mississippi Delta. Ms. Breen has serviced Tallahatchie County, Mississippi as a Nurse Practitioner for over eighteen years. She has worked in various clinics throughout the county, including those in Glendora and Tutwiler Mississippi, two of Mississippi's most underserved communities. Ms. Breen is well known in the community for treating patients regardless of their access to health care insurance. She has been instrumental in bringing to the forefront awareness of crippling health issues affecting Mississippi and is a pillar in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Eileen Breen for her commitment to improving health care throughout the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a longtime healthcare provider, Ms. Beatrice Ivory. She is the daughter of T.J. and Martha Ivory and is the mother of Kayla Beatrice Ivory, an Industrial and System Engineering major at Mississippi State University.

Ms. Beatrice graduated from Henry Weather High School in Rolling Fork, MS in 1974. After working for 13 years with mentally challenged patients at Mississippi Christian Family service, she aspired to continue her education. In 1990, she received her LPN license from Hinds Community College along with specialties in Intravenous certification (IV) and Emergency Medical Technical License (EMT). Since receiving her LPN, she has worked with Skarkey-Issaquena Community Hospital (SICH), Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Delta Regional Medical Center, and Continue Care Home Health Agency.

Ms. Beatrice is a member of the Pleasant Valley M.B. Church where she is an usher and Sunday school teacher. She is also currently serving as Treasurer of the South Delta School District Parent Teacher Organization.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Beatrice Ivory for her services as a healthcare provider and public servant to the State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. William Lloyd Booker of Clarksdale, Mississippi, for his noteworthy health care contributions to the Clarksdale, Mississippi, community.

Dr. Booker's education began in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, where he graduated from West Tallahatchie as High Salutatorian in 1973. He completed his undergraduate studies at Tougaloo College majoring in Chemistry where he graduated ``Cum Laude'' with a Bachelor of Science degree. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Iowa in 1982 and residence training at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, where he served as a resident physician.

Dr. Booker has served as Medical Director and Staff Physician for Aaron E. Henry Health Service Center in Clarksdale, Mississippi, since 1985. He practices Family Medicine and was associated with the Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine from 2000 to 2002, Vice Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2004, Chief of Staff from 2004 to 2006, and now serves as Regional State Physician Leadership Council Representative.

Dr. Booker is a member of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Mississippi Primary Health Care Association, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Swarokski Crystal Society.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Dr. William Lloyd Booker for his contributions and services in health care to the Clarksdale, Mississippi, community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Bridgett Carpenter.

Mrs. Carpenter is a Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist at Saint Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi's Medical Center.

Mrs. Carpenter is a member of the Association of Pediatric Surgical Nurses, National Association of Neonatal Nurses, and Society of Pediatric Nurses. She is a certified Pediatric Advanced Life Support regional faculty member as well as a certified Advanced Burn Life Support Provider. Mrs. Carpenter has worked at Saint Dominic Hospital for the past 23 years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Bridgett Carpenter for her notable services as a Registered Nurse in the Mississippi health care community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reocgnize Dr. Gene M. Baines of Greenwood, Mississippi. Dr. Baines is the eldest of two children. He was educated in the parochial and public schools of Leflore County and graduated from Amanda Elzy High School in 1972. He received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Tougaloo College in 1976. He later attended dental school at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry where he graduated with his doctor of dental medicine degree in 1980.

Dr. Baines has been a practicing dentist in Greenwood for over 23 years. Prior to establishing his Greenwood practice he was a well respected practicing dentist in Jackson, Mississippi for 8 years. He has extensive postgraduate training in all aspects of general dentistry including cosmetic procedures, endodontic therapy and posthodontics. Dr. Baines keeps up with the new advancements in dentistry and chooses to offer enhanced state of comfort and improved oral health.

Dr. Braines serves on the Mississippi Action for Progress Health Advisory Committee and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Academy of General Dentistry, National Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Society, American Dental Association--Give Kids A Smile, and Greenwood Leflore Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Baines and his wife reside in rural Greenwood where he enjoys traveling, woodworking, photography and is a self-proclaimed connoisseur of jazz music.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in expressing my appreciation to Dr. Gene M. Baines of Greenwood, Mississippi for his outstanding works in the field of dentistry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a longtime Mississippi resident, dedicated health care professional and a remarkable woman, Mrs. Linda Williams. Mrs. Williams has been a nurse practitioner in my district since 1991. She is a very valued member of the Lee County, Mississippi, community and serves on several of the local area boards. She is married to Frederick Williams and to that union they have two children, James and Samantha.

She is a graduate of the Holmes Community College School of Nursing in Goodman, Mississippi. After graduating, she served as a registered nurse at the University of Mississippi Medical Center hospital assisting on the general medical and surgical floors. While there, she aided patients through high risk pregnancies and post partum pregnancy recoveries as well as normal labor and delivery birth. In 1991, Mrs. Williams began specializing in endocrinology and infertility nursing with Women's Health Care and Reproductive services. Currently, she is a Physician Assistant specialist in reproductive medicine and surgery.

Mrs. Williams is a very active member of the Lee County, Mississippi, community. She serves on the Lee County Alliance of Legal professionals and the Lee County Medical Society Alliance. Mrs. Williams has also been very active in trying to minimize adolescent driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Linda Williams for her commitment to the healthcare services of women and children as well as advocacy against impaired teenage driving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valued member of our society, Mrs. Gertrude L. Mallett. Mrs. Mallett is a conservationist and agriculturalist from Hinds County, Mississippi. Her wisdom and sincere affection for everyone leaves everlasting impressions.

Born December 18, 1919, she is the widow of Frank Mallett and mother to their six children. Mr. and Mrs. Mallett believed in God, family, and hard work and raised their children to believe in such.

The Mallett family is proprietor of roughly 200 acres of land in Hinds County, Mississippi, where they raise and harvest cattle, corn and cotton.

Up until 1995, when Mrs. Mallet obtained her General Education Diploma from Hinds Community College in 1995 at the age of 75, she had only attained an 8th grade education.

Today, at 92 years of age, Mrs. Mallett remains active; she advises the day-to-day farm operations of their family farm in addition to maintaining her annual garden. Mrs. Mallett is an all around craftsman and self-taught ceramicist. She crafts quilts and crochets in addition to other handiworks.

Mrs. Mallett is a servant to God and faithful steward of Saint John's Missionary Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school for over 30 years, served as the church secretary for more than 50 years and still remains active in the church.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Gertrude L. Mallet for her unwavering commitment to horticulture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Cleveland Donald, Jr., a civil rights advocate, community activist and pioneering educator. Dr. Donald will be largely remembered as the second African-American student to graduate from the University of Mississippi, but he was also a reflection of all that we hope and expect our community leaders to be.

Born April 10, 1946, in Newton, Mississippi, Cleveland Donald, Jr. was the oldest of five children born to Rosia and Cleveland Donald, Sr. As a student at Brinkley High School, he excelled academically and enrolled in Tougaloo College when he was 17. After attending Tougaloo for one year, he enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1964, and graduated in 1966 with a history degree. He would become the second African-American there to graduate and the last to enter under Federal Protection.

Dr. Donald was that rare individual who dedicated his entire life's work to education. He obtained multiple academic degrees from prestigious universities such as Ole Miss, Harvard, and Cornell; where he obtained his doctorate. As a college professor, he taught in universities across the country and worked in the private sector on projects related to higher education. He was an excellent role model for young adults, a leader to fellow faculty members and a shining example of perseverance in order to achieve your dreams and goals.

A man of deep conviction, Dr. Donald became involved in the civil rights movement while attending Tougaloo and was arrested multiple times for protesting the racial injustices of the era. He helped establish a black studies program at the University of Mississippi in addition to working with former Governor William Winter on programs at the University of Mississippi for racial reconciliation.

Dr. Donald's legacy will be carried on through his son, Cleveland Donald III, and his daughters Krista Donald and Toyetta Donald. He has four brothers; Judge John Donald, Major General James Donald, Reverend Larry Donald, and Master Sergeant Howard Donald.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Cleveland Donald, Jr., an educator and civil rights advocate who found his lifework in the work that he loved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Alma Lee Thompson-Lewis. She was born in the rural town of Flora, Mississippi on September 6, 1930.

Mrs. Lewis received her early education at Good Hope Church and Christ Missionary Industrial Church School in Jackson, Mississippi. She earned her high school diploma from Camden Street School in Canton, Mississippi and Mrs. Lewis later furthered her studies at Mary Holmes College in West Point, Mississippi.

Born to Mr. Willie Lee Thompson and Mrs. Emma Deloris Cotton- Thompson, she is the eldest of four children. After the passing of both her parents in 1950, Mrs. Lewis, with the help of her grandparents, served as caregiver to her three siblings; Mrs. Lucille Thompson- Jamison, Mr. John Thompson and Mrs. Louise Thompson Eley-Sumler.

Mrs. Lewis has been a long-time community servant. She's worked many years with organizations in and around the Flora, Mississippi area. These organizations include the Magnolia Improvement Committee, The Ebony Group, Community Pride Groceries, the Madison County Civic Organization and the Order of the Eastern Star; an organization of which she is a member. She is a faithful and dedicated member of Fearns Chapel Free Will Baptist Church where she has served as choir advisor, group captain and Sunday school teacher. Over the years, she has also been involved with many other community service projects, including serving as manager of the Magnolia Heights voting precinct.

Mrs. Lewis began to serve with the Mississippi Head Start Program as a carrier, where she used her family's station wagon to transport children to and from the Head Start Center in Flora, Mississippi. She was eventually certified to teach for the Head Start Program and finally promoted to Center Director, where she eventually retired in 1991.

She is the wife of Mr. Dan Lewis and mother to Mrs. Debra Thompson- Devine, Mr. Levi Lewis, Mr. Calvin Lewis, Mrs. Almarie Lewis-Winters, Mr. Sylvester Lewis, Emma Jean Lewis (deceased at six months of age), Mr. Howard Earl Lewis and Mrs. Sandra Lewis-Denton.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Alma Lee Thompson-Lewis for her life-long dedication to service and commitment to education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Alma R. Hollins-Rucker. Mrs. Rucker was born and raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She is the daughter of Mr. Arnett Hollins and the late Ms. Carrie Mae Wright. She is a pillar of her community for not only holding reputable positions within her church, but by also promoting a positive image and reputation through her service to others in the community.

Mrs. Rucker started serving the Lord at an early age at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where she is still a member and serves as President of the Pastor's Aide Club and Chair of the Trustee Board.

She graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1970 and attended Draughon's Business College. After attending Draughon's Business College, she became the Assistant Librarian at Lamar Library and retired four years later in management due to an acquired disability.

Despite her handicap, Mrs. Rucker continues to serve her community through countless acts of servitude. She volunteers at several food pantries and nursing homes and provides donations to various organizations throughout her community. Mrs. Rucker is the mother of five children and three grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Alma R. Rucker for her dedication to serving others in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fine patriot and noble member of his community, Mr. Bennie Dotson. Mr. Dotson was born September 9, 1923, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He is the younger of two children born to the late Mr. Ben and Mrs. Mary Dotson.

Mr. Dotson's early years of education began at Dunbar Elementary School in Warren County, Mississippi. He later attended Grange Hall Elementary School culminating with an eighth grade education.

At the age of 18, Mr. Dotson entered the United States Army and served in the European War. He received his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, after which, he served tours of duty in England, France, Belgium, and Germany.

After leaving the United States Army, Mr. Dotson worked at Anderson Tully Lumber Company in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he retired after 45 years of service. Mr. Dotson has continued to serve as a lay member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church for many years.

Mr. Dotson was happily married to his late wife of 57 years, Mrs. Lorraine Dotson, and together they raised one child, Ruby McDonald. He also has a host of nieces and nephews that love and care for him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Bennie Dotson for his dedication to our country and his commitment to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. William Le'Ron Jackson. Mr. Jackson is a lifelong resident of Byram, Mississippi. He is the son of Mrs. Hollia Smith-Thompson, Henry Thompson, Jr., and Mr. William Smith. He is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Jackson is aspiring to obtain a law degree with an emphasis on Disability and Common law.

Mr. Jackson has been involved in numerous volunteer activities throughout the years. He is a dynamic role model who mentors people with and without disabilities throughout the state on the values of education and self-advocacy. Mr. Jackson has worked for Living Independence for Everyone, LIFE, of Mississippi and a children's medical program under the Mississippi Department of Health. He has also served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer. Mr. Jackson always finds time to give back to his community by giving statewide presentations and serving on various committees, such as the My Voice My Choice Board of Directors, Healthy Opportunities for Transition Advisory Council, Teen Empowerment Success Training Council, and the National Youth Leadership Network.

During 2010, Mr. Jackson expanded his volunteer service by beginning a three-year term as a Member of the Board of Directors for Disability Rights Mississippi, a non-profit agency that provides protection and advocacy services to people with disabilities statewide.

Mr. Jackson recently was selected in March 2011, to be a part of a committee, formed with the assistance of the Commissioner of the United States Administration on Development Disabilities, ADD, and other national self-advocacy organizations, to focus on improving self- advocacy throughout the state of Mississippi.

During April 2011, Mr. Jackson was awarded the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence, GIVE, Award, which is presented by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service in cooperation with the Office of the Governor to recognize individuals, organizations, or communities for volunteer efforts which have made a significant difference to the state or to local communities, establishing high standards for volunteer involvement and effectiveness, and multiplying resources for communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jackson for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.