[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JANE JOHNSON

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, throughout the years, I have had the 
opportunity to criss-cross the State of Connecticut countless times, 
and along the way I have met a number of remarkable individuals. Their 
occupations and backgrounds may vary, but they are all linked by a 
common commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in 
their communities. These are the unsung heroes in our society, and they 
are the foundation on which our communities are built. Sadly, 
Connecticut lost one its heroes earlier this month, when Jane Johnson 
of New Britain died at the age of 59.
  Jane Johnson's entire career was dedicated to working with poor and 
underprivileged children so that they may have a brighter future. A 
native of New Britain, she spent more than 30 years working in her home 
town's Head Start program, and for the past 17 years she served as its 
Director.
  I was fortunate to work with Jane over the years, and I, along with 
everyone else who knew her, had the highest regard for Jane and for her 
opinions on issues concerning children. Not only was she well-respected 
throughout the State but her efforts on behalf of young people earned 
her national recognition. That is why she was invited to several White 
House Conferences on Head Start.
  As if her efforts with Head Start were not enough, Jane also 
volunteered her free time to serve her community. She was involved with 
many service organizations, including as a member of the board of 
directors for the Sheldon Community Guidance Clinic and the United Way 
of New Britain. She was also active in her church, singing in the choir 
and actively working with the young people in the congregation.
  No one really knows exactly how many children showed up to their 
first day of school ready to learn and came closer to reaching their 
full potential because of Jane Johnson's efforts. But everyone in New 
Britain and throughout the State of Connecticut knows that she was a 
remarkable woman who touched many young lives and will be dearly 
missed.
  I offer my heartfelt condolences to her friends and family, and I ask 
that her obituary be printed in the Record.
  The obituary follows:

              [From the New Britain Herald, Feb. 6, 1998]

                              Jane Johnson

       New Britain.--Jane Johnson, 59, of New Britain, Director of 
     the New Britain Head Start Program, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 
     1998, at New Britain General Hospital.
       Born in New Britain, she was the daughter of Josephine 
     (Gray) Hines of New Britain and the late James Johnson. She 
     was a lifelong New Britain resident. Jane Johnson worked for 
     the New Britain Head Start Program at the Human Resources 
     Agency for 30 years. She began her career in public service 
     as a teacher's assistant in 1965, the first year of the 
     national Head Start Program which was begun by President 
     Lyndon Johnson as a central part of his Great Society 
     Program. In order to fight the ``War on Poverty,'' programs 
     like Head Start were developed on the national level.
       Ms. Johnson was an exemplary model of the program. She 
     began participating as a client through the Parent 
     Involvement Component of the Head Start Program. From 1965-
     67, she worked directly with the children as a teacher's 
     assistant. The first director of the program, John E. 
     Francisco, recognized Ms. Johnson's talent and promoted her. 
     For the next five years, she worked first as an assistant, 
     and then as the coordinator in the Social Service component 
     of the Head Start Program. During the mid-1970's, she 
     returned to school and earned an Associate Degree from Tunxis 
     Community College in 1976.
       Mr. Francisco promoted Ms. Johnson again in 1977, when she 
     became his Administrative Assistant. She continued her 
     education, earning a Bachelor of the Arts Degree from Central 
     Connecticut State University in 1979. She graduated with 
     honors and was named to Alpha Kappa Delta National Honor 
     Society.
       From 1980-98, Ms. Johnson was the Director of the Head 
     Start Program. During this period, her innovative public 
     policy initiatives earned National recognition. She was 
     selected as a Johnson and Johnson Management Fellow and 
     attended an honorary program at the University of Southern 
     California in 1995.
       In addition to her brilliant work as a leader in the 
     National Head Start Program, Ms. Johnson served her community 
     as a volunteer. She served as a member of the Board of 
     Directors at the Sheldon Community Guidance Clinic and at the 
     United Way of New Britain. She was a member of the 
     Connecticut and National Association of Head Start Directors. 
     Ms. Johnson also volunteered as a coordinator for the 
     Conference on Coordinated Child Care For The State of 
     Massachusetts.
       Ms. Johnson was a member of the McCullough Temple C.M.E. 
     and during the 1960's, was active as a choir member and 
     served as a Junior District and Secretary Delegate to their 
     young people's conference.
       Throughout her life, she made countless contributions to 
     the children and their families who came to the New Britain 
     Head Start Program. The staff, the children, and the families 
     who were involved with the program for the past 30 years will 
     miss her loving guidance, her wonderful sense of humor and, 
     most of all, her kind heart. She will continue to inspire 
     them to serve their community with hard work and commitment.
       In addition to her mother, she is survived by three 
     children, Carnell Small of New Britain, Cheryl Small-Parris 
     and her husband, Colin Parris of New Britain, and Wayne Small 
     of Calif.; two sisters, Beatrice Walker of New Britain, and 
     Margaret Johnson of Hartford; two grandchildren, Torey Small 
     and Tia Parris; a great granddaughter, Taryn Fudge; and 
     several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant 
     son, Todd Anthony Small.
       Funeral services will be held on Monday, 11 a.m. at the 
     Spottswood AME Zion Church. Burial will take place at 
     Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are Sunday 
     evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Memorial donations 
     may be made to the HRA Head Start Program, 180 Clinton St., 
     New Britain, CT 06053. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in 
     charge of arrangements.

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