[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RETIREMENT TRIBUTE TO JIMMIE RUTH JOHNSON

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 
retirement of Mrs. Jimmie Johnson. Mrs. Johnson retires after 36 years 
of dedicated service to Milwaukee Public Schools. I want to take this 
opportunity to acknowledge her hard work and commitment to the students 
of Milwaukee.
  Throughout her 36 years as an education professional, she has earned 
the respect and admiration of her students and colleagues by upholding 
educational standards, while maintaining a loving and caring 
relationship with all who encountered her. She is known to her 
coworkers and students as a counselor, a problem solver, and consummate 
friend.
  As socioeconomic and family issues changed over the years for the 
students within the school system, she maintained the same love for 
making a difference. Her dedication shines through in her desire to 
feed, clothe, and counsel her students.
  Her commitment to education transcended the school system, as she 
taught Sunday school faithfully for more than 25 years. She also taught 
vacation Bible school out of her home to the children in her 
neighborhood. This same commitment is also exemplified by her ability 
to obtain a masters degree in education, while working fulltime and 
raising a family.
  A success not only in the classroom, but in her personal life as 
well--Mrs. Johnson is a devout Christian who lends her time to the 
development of other Christians. She is also the faithful wife to Oscar 
Sr., a world class mother to Oscar Jr. and Derrick, and a loving 
grandmother to Janae and Dilona. Throughout the process of fulfilling 
these responsibilities, she has managed to balance her professional 
career with her family life. Her kind spirit has made her the 
unofficial adopted mother of countless peers, acquaintances and 
extended family members.
  Mrs. Jimmie Ruth Johnson has left a mark on the countless students 
that she has taught and deserves this recognition. She has played an 
integral part of the development of excellence through educating the 
city of Milwaukee's youth with optimism, patience and love.

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