The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MARY INA JONES HENDLEY
______
HON. MIKE ROGERS
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mary Ina Jones Hendley.
Ina was born November 25, 1921, to Fisher and Mary Griffin Jones, a farming family in South Georgia. One of 14 children, her family depended on her to help with childcare and their farm. Her father was a carpenter and businessman, so she also helped in the family store. Ina graduated high school the top of her class in Nashville, Georgia.
Like her father, she was proficient in mathematics. She worked for a local agricultural manufacturer until marrying her high school sweetheart, Willard Hendley. Willard served proudly in the United States Navy during World War II, in the Pacific theater. They lived in several port areas during the war. Later they returned to raise their two daughters in Nashville.
Ina and Willard assumed leadership roles, in the community and their church. Accounting was Ina's interest and she completed courses that led to work as a finance officer at Moody AFB, Valdosta, Georgia. She continued her education through off-campus courses offered by Troy University and attained a BS in Business. She also earned an MBA from Valdosta State University. After her daughters left home, Ina accepted a position as Payroll Supervisor at Patrick AFB, in Satellite Beach, Florida.
They witnessed rocket launches near Cape Canaveral and enjoyed having their grandchildren observe these historic events. When she retired at 70, her coworkers gave her a signed photo of the space shuttle. After retiring, Ina was a caregiver for Willard. During this time, Ina worked towards a Religious Education degree, including time as an extension student with New Orleans Baptist Seminary. She completed several mission trips with her church teaching English as a Second Language.
In her early 80's, Ina returned to her hometown of Nashville and sang in church choir, helped at the food bank and served as a ``Pink Lady'' at the hospital and nursing home.
In 2013, she moved to be near her second daughter and resides in Alexander City, Alabama. Ina attributes her health to being active; loving to walk, exercise and read.
Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ina and wishing her a very happy 100th birthday.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 194
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