The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING JERRY L. SMITH” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E11-E12 on Jan. 7, 2014.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING JERRY L. SMITH
______
HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jerry L. Smith, who is a remarkable Small Black Farmer, Businessman and public servant.
Mr. Jerry L. Smith was born in Leflore County, Mississippi on August 29, 1961 to Emma Lee and Elone Smith, Sr. He is the 7th child of twelve.
Mr. Smith attended Amanda Elzy High School. He was reared on a farm with his family. He and his brothers helped his father to farm part-
time until their father decided to stop. He and his brothers took over the farming business and started the Smith's Brother Farm in the early 1980's. Later one of Mr. Smith's brothers was killed and one became disabled. He then continued the farming business under the present name Smith's Farm.
Well known for his early start of hard work, Mr. Smith started working as a city landscaper in Sidon, MS when he was still in high school under the leadership of Mr. Alford. His next job was with Leflore County Road Department in 1979 where he is presently employed now as County Road Manager.
Mr. Smith has served in many capacities contributing to this society. He served 10 years on the Leflore County United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Board. He currently serves on the Deacon and Trustee Board at Bell Chapel M.B. Church, on the Leflore County Sheriff Department, a Sidon Board Alderman, Yazoo Levy Board, Sidon Volunteer Fire Chief, and self-employed small farmer. As a farmer he has produced cotton, soybeans, and wheat.
Mr. Smith is married to the former Joyce Marie Thomas and they are the proud parents of Jeremy Smith and Jayla Smith.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a Small Business Farmer Extraordinaire, Mr. Jerry L. Smith, for his dedication to serving others and giving back to his communities by producing crops through his farming business.
____________________
