Recognizing Mrs. Penny Hartsfield White on Her Retirement As Supervisor of the 4th Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Floor Speech

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional service of Mrs. Penny Hartsfield White, 4th Episcopal District Supervisor of the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The 4th Episcopal District is headquartered in the 7th Congressional District of Illinois.

Penny is a native of Tallahassee, Florida, and the fifth of nine siblings, six girls and three boys. Her father, the late Richard Allen Hartsfield, Sr., was the Assistant County Agent, and her mother, the late Mrs. Mamie S. Hartsfield, was an elementary educator and a staff member of Florida A. & M. University. Penny, along with her family, grew up in Fountain Chapel A.M.E. Church in Tallahassee where she pallicipated in the Youth Choir and the YPD'ers (Young People and Children's Division).

Under Episcopal Supervisor Penny Hartsfield White's leadership, the members of the Women's Missionary Society have grown in their mission focus. Episcopal Supervisor Penny is intentional about ensuring the missionaries bless organizations that serve ``the least of these.'' Donations of diapers, clothing, socks, coats, toiletries, toys, and funds are just a sampling of the ways the missionaries have an impact.

Penny's service to her community is rich and extensive, including serving: with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami; as Chair and Co-Chair of United Way Campaigns: as a Co-Chair for multiple March of Dimes sub-committees; on Committees within the American Cancer Society; as Treasurer for the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce Trustee Council; with the Chamber as they travelled to Brazil and South Africa to foster working relationships between countries; and as an officer of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Penny currently serves as a Board Member of the Black Women's Agenda, Inc.

During her tenure, Episcopal Supervisor Penny Hartsfield White spearheaded the project to build a home for a pastor in Africa when she learned he needed a place to live. She led the construction of a commercial kitchen in the public library in Pembroke, Illinois, to ensure the community had a suitable gathering place. She also coordinated the purchase of sewing machines for widowed women in India so they could make items to sell to support their families.

I join with members of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the global community to thank Mrs. Penny Hartsfield White for her exceptional service to the church and our nation. I wish her health and happiness in her weIl-deserved retirement.

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