Susannah Mushatt Jones, 113

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Susannah Mushatt Jones on the occasion of her 113th birthday celebration. Lovingly called ``Miss Susie'', she is a symbol of longevity and commitment to family for all New Yorkers and our nation.

Susie Jones was born July 6, 1899 in Lowndes County, Alabama and was the third of 11 children. Susie survives all of her siblings and is a firsthand historian of a unique quantity of our American history and growth as a country. She never had children but has more than 100 nieces and nephews. She is generous to the core paying for two nieces through college and lavishing gifts on the rest.

Miss Susie grew up in the segregated South and taught for two months after graduating high school. She then moved to New Jersey to work with a wealthy family in 1922. The following year she moved to work with a Westchester County family. Her work with various families over those years took her from the East Coast to the West Coast. At one point, Miss Susie worked for a prominent Hollywood family, socializing with movie stars and attending movie premieres. According to her, one time she was ``close enough to Ronald Reagan to reach out and touch him.'' ``Clark Gable, Cary Grant, I saw them all. George Raft was my favorite.''

Miss Susie uses the word wonderful a lot, but about the only time she doesn't use it is in reference to her ex-husband, Henry. ``We married in 1928, I think. He wasn't a mean person. He was a very good cook,'' she says. ``But I don't know what happened to him.''

Miss Susie retired in 1965 during the Civil Rights Movement and witnessed the continued change in the country through the following years. She lost her vision about 12 years ago and maintains her infectious laugh and upbeat attitude. Although she now has limited mobility, Miss Susie was an active member of the Vandalia Houses Senior Center tenant patrol well beyond her 100 years. Twice a day she sat in the lobby checking the guests as they signed in.

We can all learn from Miss Susie's secrets to a long life. She never smoked, drank. She works hard and loves faithfully. ``I thank the Lord for the love I receive from my family,'' she says.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the wonderful life and important contributions of Susannah Mushatt Jones. She is a treasured and active member of Vandalia Senior Center. We are proud that she is still part of our community. This milestone gives all of us hope that people can truly live a long prosperous life.

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