[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 87 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


REMARKS OF REPRESENTATIVE TILLIE K. FOWLER REGARDING A TRIBUTE TO J.L. 
                                 CULLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TILLIE K. FOWLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 1997

  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, the Russell Caucus Room was filled to 
overflowing this morning with Members, staff, and other friends of J.L. 
Cullen, who came to pay tribute to her memory. Since I was unable to 
participate in that event due to votes here in the House, I would like 
to submit my remarks for the Record.
  There is an old saying that kindness is like snow--it makes 
everything it covers beautiful. To all of us who knew J.L. Cullen, it 
is no exaggeration to say that she made the world a more beautiful 
place, because she was one of the kindest people I have ever known.
  J.L. was one of those individuals who sets a standard to which the 
rest of us mortals can only aspire. She was what my mother, another 
Southern lady, would call a lovely person--in every way. She was smart 
as a whip and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the legislative process 
and the way this town works. She knew just about everybody in 
Washington, and was liked and admired by same. She had a great sense of 
humor, was a lot of fun, and--in addition to being a hard worker--had a 
rich and satisfying personal life. Any of us who enjoyed her lovely 
paintings or were privileged to taste her cooking can attest the 
latter. In addition, J.L. was a lady through and through--tough as 
nails when she needed to be, but always gracious and tolerant toward 
others.
  I know that many of my colleagues in the House and Senate knew her, 
and they all have great things to say about her and great memories of 
her. Most of all, though, I think that my favorite memories of J.L. 
will be of her warm heart and her generosity. In spite of her schedule, 
she always had time to lend a hand or a shoulder--depending upon which 
was needed--and it seemed to me that she truly spent most of her time 
thinking not about herself, but about what she could do for other 
people. She was a friend to anyone who would let her be a friend, 
regardless of party affiliations or anything else. She was very 
creative, and she was always coming up with ways to help others--even 
people she didn't know very well. She loved to take new Members under 
her wing and share her knowledge with them, and I am sure that several 
congressional careers were saved or at least enhanced by her timely 
advice and admonitions. I know that the little oasis of fun and 
fellowship that she created for the women Members through her dinner 
parties was a real source of refreshment and inspiration to all of us.
  I suppose I am trying to say that J.L. was the kind of person that 
parents hope their children will grow up to be--smart, successful, 
substantial and savvy--but above all, selfless. I was honored to call 
her my friend; I miss her; and I think that Washington is a little 
duller, a little colder, and a lot less fun without her.

                          ____________________