[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING BERNICE FELDMAN MAYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2004

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 
contributions of Bernice Feldman Mayers of Dallas, Texas, and am 
pleased to be joined in this tribute by my colleague, Representative 
Wexler of Florida. Mrs. Mayers was not only a dedicated teacher of 
special-needs students, but shares the distinction of being related to 
two members of the South Florida delegation--Congressman Wexler and 
myself. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of warmth, dedication and 
caring.
  Born in the Bronx, New York, Mrs. Mayers moved with her family to 
Dallas, Texas, at the age of five. She graduated from Forest Avenue 
High School at the age of 15 and received her bachelor's degree in 
social work from the University of Oklahoma at the age of 19. Following 
graduation, Mrs. Mayers began to volunteer for a number of 
organizations including the City of Hope, a cancer research center. 
Mrs. Mayers also served as the president of the Dallas Chapter, where 
she coordinated the first ever cancer research study in the Dallas 
area.
  After receiving her master's degree in special education from Texas 
Women's University in 1967, Mrs. Mayers began her teaching career with 
Sam Houston Junior High School. She served as the head of the school's 
special education department, well-known as a fierce advocate for 
students with special needs. Mrs. Mayers retired in 1992, but she 
continued to work as both a substitute teacher and as a Hebrew teacher 
at Congregation Beth Torah. She also committed her energies to Forest 
Avenue Alumni Association and the Tom C. Gooch Elementary School in 
Dallas.
  Mrs. Mayers is survived by her husband, two sons, four grandchildren 
and numerous friends and extended family, all who will miss her 
greatly.