[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               JERI WARE: A BRIDGE BUILDER AND ROLE MODEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 1997

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jerline 
``Jeri'' Ware, a bridge builder and a role model to all. She passed 
away July 6, 1997. Jeri Ware was born February 13, 1924, on a farm in 
Beggs OK, the third of eight children. After graduating from Beggs High 
School at the age of 15, Jeri, with the approval of her family, 
friends, and church, set out to expand her horizons. Over the next 
several years, she lived in Colorado, New Mexico, as well as Hanford 
and Seattle, WA. In the mid-1940's, she moved to San Francisco, where 
she enrolled at San Francisco City College. There she studied political 
science, and also met and married John, her husband of 48 years.
  In 1951, the Wares moved back to Seattle where Jeri would become 
known throughout the city and the Pacific Northwest as a respected 
community leader. During the next 46 years, Jeri championed issues such 
as employment and education. She urged city officials to address 
concerns about the lack of opportunities for many black Americans in 
Seattle; she helped establish cooperative nursery schools and tutorial 
programs at the University of Washington. Jeri was a charter member and 
chair of the Central Area School Council, and a member of the Seattle 
Human Rights Commission. My predecessor, Mike Lowry, recognized Jeri's 
talents; for almost a decade, she served the people of the Seventh 
Congressional District as a member of his District Office staff.
  Jeri's opinion commanded the respect and attention of elected 
officials in Seattle because she was a bridge builder and a role model. 
She helped many public officials to understand issues impacting the 
community by presenting the problems along with attainable solutions. 
Jeri Ware led by personal example: she showed the importance of family 
strength by standing by her son's side when he protested the Viet Nam 
war. She embodied tolerance by embracing and respecting others' 
opinions although they may have differed from hers. She taught 
determination by her life-long efforts to help our youth prepare for 
their future.
  Mr. Speaker, the Seventh Congressional District of Washington mourns 
the loss of Jeri Ware. Thanks to her, many strong bridges of friendship 
and understanding stand in Seattle today.

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