[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23098] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]LIFE AND TIMES OF OSEOLA McCARTY ______ HON. RONNIE SHOWS of mississippi in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 28, 1999 Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to take a minute to tell my fellow colleagues and the American People about Oseola McCarty. Ms. McCarty recently passed away and it is important that we pause to remember this remarkable Mississippian and American. Oseola McCarty spent her life washing and ironing the clothes of others in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Her life was one of meager and simple means concerning the material things many deem important. Her spirit and faith, though, was large and full. Her capacity to give and care and love exceeded all boundaries. Ms. McCarty was a great American and we all need to know and learn from her story. The Bible teaches us about the widow's mite; that lady who gave less than others but all she had and was called great for her more profound sacrifice. Friends, Ms. McCarty gave us all the widow's mite. Her meager income over the years provided just enough for her to put away a little in savings each month. Over these 75 years this grew and in 1995 she gave the University of Southern Mississippi $150,000 to help the poor go to school. This was a gift to all of us. Certainly to those who have and will benefit from a college education. But also Ms. McCarty gave us all the gift of love and generosity. She taught us that integrity in life and belief in God and others, when put into action, changes lives. I am indebted to Oseola McCarty for her example. My Alma Matter, the University of Southern Mississippi, is indebted to her for her gift and inspiration. And everyone, all of us, is indebted to Ms. McCarty because she helped remind us that we all matter and what we do matters to all. Many beautiful and great words will be said the next several days about Ms. McCarty. And, great things should be said. But, let's honor her the way she would want . . . let's give ourselves. Let's give to others, like Ms. McCarty. ____________________