RECOGNIZING MRS. FRANCES KEES

RECOGNIZING MRS. FRANCES KEES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 61 (Thursday, April 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 61 (Thursday, April 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E299] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MRS. FRANCES KEES ______ HON. MICHAEL GUEST of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, April 2, 2026 Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable life of Mrs. Frances Kees of Magee, Mississippi, as she reaches the extraordinary milestone of her 100th birthday on April 6, 2026. Mrs. Kees has lived a life distinguished by faith, dedication to education, service to her community, and a steadfast commitment to sharing the Gospel. Her century of life reflects a legacy of leadership and faithful service that has touched generations in Simpson County and beyond. A native of Mendenhall in Simpson County, Frances began her lifelong calling in education at the young age of nineteen. At the request of then-school superintendent Carlton Traylor, she moved to Magee to teach while completing her coursework as a history major during the summers. What began as a temporary opportunity soon became a lifelong home, as she quickly fell in love with the community and the people of Magee. In 1948, she married Robert ``Bob'' Kees, a veteran of the United States Air Force who flew twenty-eight missions during World War II. Together they built a loving family and raised three children, Kay, Bobby, and Jane. Following the untimely passing of her husband, Frances demonstrated extraordinary strength and determination as she continued to guide and support her family. Throughout her life, Frances has remained actively involved in the local community. During summers she worked at Stephens Department Store and later at Rose Ladies Apparel in Magee. Through these experiences, she developed a love of fashion and writing, eventually contributing articles for the local newspaper, the Magee Courier. Perhaps the most enduring impact of Frances's life has been through her faith and ministry. For seventy years, she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Magee. Through her leadership of a ladies' Sunday School class, she helped guide generations of women in studying Scripture and growing in their faith. Her dedication to sharing the Gospel and encouraging others through the Word of God has left a lasting legacy within her church and community. In addition to her ministry in the church, Frances also served the State of Mississippi as a docent at the historic Mississippi Governor's Mansion. Beginning during the administration of Ray Mabus, she welcomed visitors from across the state and Nation, sharing stories about Mississippi's history and heritage with warmth and enthusiasm. For more than two decades, she guided countless guests through the mansion, offering insight into the state's past while representing the hospitality and pride of the people of Mississippi. Those who know Mrs. Kees often remark on her enduring optimism and her steadfast belief that life is a gift. Her faith has sustained her through both joys and hardships, and she has consistently encouraged others to approach life with hope and gratitude. I am honored to celebrate Mrs. Frances Kees on her 100th birthday and thank her for a lifetime of faith, teaching, and service to the people of Mississippi. ____________________