congressional_record: CREC-2026-02-25-pt1-PgE165-3
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| granule_id | date | congress | session | volume | issue | title | chamber | granule_class | sub_granule_class | page_start | page_end | speakers | bills | citation | full_text |
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| CREC-2026-02-25-pt1-PgE165-3 | 2026-02-25 | 119 | 2 | HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE OF THELMA PETTIS | HOUSE | EXTENSIONS | HONORING | E165 | E165 | [{"name": "Jennifer L. McClellan", "role": "speaking"}] | 172 Cong. Rec. E165 | Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E165] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE OF THELMA PETTIS ______ HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and extraordinary service of Thelma Pettis, a distinguished leader of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, whose passing is deeply felt across the Commonwealth of Virginia and throughout the South Atlantic Region. Soror Pettis devoted more than eight decades of faithful service to Delta Sigma Theta, exemplifying the sorority's highest ideals of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. Just recently, she was lovingly celebrated by the Richmond Alumnae Chapter for her remarkable 80 years of membership and was honored as a panelist during ``Delta Days'' in the Virginia General Assembly, continuing her commitment to civic engagement and public service until her final days. From 1986 to 1989, Soror Pettis served as the ninth South Atlantic Regional Director, leading with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering dedication to strengthening chapters, developing leaders, and advancing the sorority's mission. Her tenure left an indelible mark on the Region, and her leadership continues to inspire generations of Delta women. At the local level, Soror Pettis twice served as President of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter, where under her leadership, she deepened the chapter's impact and reinforced its role as a pillar of service in the community. She also played a pivotal role in helping to charter the Rho Rho Chapter at University of Richmond, extending the reach of Delta Sigma Theta's mission to a new generation of student leaders and ensuring the sorority's legacy of excellence and service would endure on campus and beyond. As a charter member of Rho Rho, I benefited greatly from her leadership and kindness. Soror Thelma Pettis lived a life of purpose and principle. Her legacy is one of service rendered with humility, leadership exercised with compassion, and commitment sustained across a lifetime. She will be deeply missed by her sorors, her community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her daughter, Soror Karen Pettis Walden, her family, loved ones, and the members of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter. May they find comfort in knowing that Soror Pettis' life had a profound impact, and that her legacy will continue to guide and uplift generations to come. ____________________ |