[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO FRANCES LIGHT CURRIE

                                 ______


                     HON. JAMES H. (JIMMY) QUILLEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. QUILLEN. Mr. Speaker, before I became a public servant, I owned a 
real estate development company in my hometown of Kingsport, TN. I 
hired a young woman back then to answer the telephones and work in the 
loan department. Little did I know when I hired her 40 years ago that 
she would become my right hand--my most loyal, hard-working, dedicated, 
and dependable employee--my very good friend.
  Frances Light Currie has been by my side throughout my entire 
political career--8 years in the Tennessee General Assembly and 32 
years here in the Congress. She worked tirelessly on all of my runs for 
the State House, on my First Congressional campaign, which operated out 
of a gas station, and continued to work in my congressional office in 
Kingsport. In the late 1960's, I was able to persuade Frances to come 
to Washington to work--even though she was widowed with two children.
  She raised her two daughters, bestowing in them the same strong 
motivation to achieve--and both of them have become doctors. She has 
overcome many obstacles and personal tragedies over the years, 
including the death of her second husband, John Currie.
  Frances has been a glowing example for my other employees over the 
years, and I couldn't even begin to list the countless contributions 
she has made over the years. She is well-known and highly respected by 
so many on Capitol Hill, particularly among the Members and staff of 
the Tennessee Congressional Delegation. In fact, she was recently 
awarded the Outstanding Tennessean Award by Tennessee Gov. Ned 
McWherter for her untiring efforts and unending accomplishments.
  She has been my chief of staff for years, and I don't know how she 
put up with me for 40 years, but I'm sure glad she did. I want to 
personally thank Frances from the bottom of my heart for her devotion, 
friendship, and loyalty over the years. I wouldn't be where I am today 
without her.

                          ____________________