[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO BERTHA WOODARD JOHNSON

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the 
unsung American heroes. Every day in this great Nation, there are 
people who work hard, raise their families and contribute to the fabric 
of the community. They are largely unrecognized in these ivy-covered 
halls and their names are unknown. Today, I would like to raise my 
voice to honor one of the unsung heroes of Brooklyn, NY.
  Mrs. Bertha A. Woodard Johnson is the daughter of the late Sadie 
Woodard and Richard Wallace. She was born in Chester, SC, and reared by 
her mother and grandmother.
  Bertha spent a life providing services for the needy, with a 
particular vocation of serving children and the elderly. She has worked 
tirelessly to improve their quality of life through active 
participation and personal generous donations of her time and talent. 
This passion to help people led her to become a caregiver and nurse for 
over 45 years. Before retiring in 1990, she received numerous awards 
and accolades for her dedicated service, including ``Nurse of the 
Year.''
  Bertha has served the community through her leadership activities in 
her church and mentoring activities with young people. In addition to 
her active involvement in the community, Bertha, the wife of Charlie C. 
Johnson, mother of five children, seven grandchildren, and three great 
grandchildren, has been a strong pillar of her family.
  Mr. Speaker, Bertha Woodard Johnson has demonstrated great dedication 
in her life to her family, devotion to her patients and commitment to 
the people of Brooklyn. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving 
our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring 
this truly remarkable person.

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