[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 29, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A TRIBUTE TO JERI WARE

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, Washington State lost a visionary 
leader, a passionate advocate, and a remarkable woman with the passing 
of Jerline Ware. As a citizen activist and as a public servant, Jeri 
Ware worked tirelessly for social justice and to ensure a brighter 
future for our community's children.
  Jeri Ware may best be remembered as the chairwoman of the Seattle 
Human Rights Commission. This position gave her the opportunity to do 
in an official capacity what she had done her entire life: fight 
against discrimination and for equality and human rights. She never 
gave up believing in a just society and never shied away from speaking 
out for those who had been wronged. Just last December, the Seattle 
Human Rights Commission honored Jeri for her tireless commitment and 
dedication.
  Jeri's other passion was our community's young people. She recognized 
that the future well-being of our community depended on our having a 
shared sense of responsibility for all our children and giving them the 
best possible start in life. She put this conviction into action by 
working in the tutorial program at the University of Washington and as 
a parent coordinator at Seattle's Leschi School.
  We will miss not only Jeri Ware the activist and community leader, 
but also Jeri Ware the friend. She was a woman who was always willing 
to open her heart and home.
  Jeri leaves her husband of 49 years, John, sons Anthony Muhammed and 
John Ware, daughters Joan Ware and Falicia Green, six grandchildren and 
two great-grandchildren; to whom our thoughts go out.
  Jeri Ware's passing at the all-too-young age of 73 leaves a great 
void. However, her courage, commitment and unending faith in a just 
society will continue to be an inspiration to all those who share her 
vision.

                          ____________________