[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF HELEN L. SEVERNS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Helen 
L. Severns, who passed away May 2, 1996.
  Born and raised in Decatur, IL, Helen Severns was a pillar of the 
community who served in countless ways up to the very day of her 
passing.
  The daughter of the late Russell Waggoner and Goldie Waggoner Watson, 
Helen Severns was an active member of the Concordia Lutheran Church. 
She was a tireless volunteer for the Retired Senior Citizen Program, 
Meals-On-Wheels and other civic groups, including being given a 
lifetime membership award from the Parent-Teachers Association.
  Being a political volunteer was perhaps the most colorful thread she 
wove into the fabric of her hometown. Helen Severns began her 
remarkable career when she served as Democratic election judge from 
1972 to 1976. She was a precinct committeewoman from 1976 to 1992. She 
coordinated Macon County for Senator Paul Simon, was a member of the 
Independent Democratic Women's Organization, served as cochair of the 
Illinois Electoral College in 1992 and represented Illinois as an 
elector to President Clinton's inauguration in 1993.
  Despite all of these lofty achievements, Helen's greatest joy was 
when her daughter won her first State Senate race. I have been honored 
to serve in the Illinois State Senate with Senator Penny Severns and to 
share the responsibility of dealing with the issues important to our 
many mutual constituents. With Penny and Helen Severns, the apple did 
not fall far from the tree.
  Helen Severns is survived by her husband, Donald, her sons Donald 
Severns, Jr. and Rodney Severns, and her daughters Patty Severns Love 
and Penny Severns. She is dearly missed, but we are comforted by her 
memory and inspired by her legacy.

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