[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E742-E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO MRS. THEODORA JOHNSON: A TRULY GREAT LADY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of a 
quiet and dignified matriarch, the late Theodora Johnson. Her passing 
last week has cast a veil of deep sadness over our community.
  ``Momma Dear'' Johnson was an extraordinary person by any measure. 
Her life was a delicately drawn picture of a calm, confident, dignified 
and strong woman with an unwavering commitment to the well being of her 
family and to those who shared her vision of a community of service and 
faith. She volunteered her time at Christ the King Catholic Church in 
South Dade--she was a founding member of the parish--and dedicated 
countless time and effort to enhancing her community.
  She taught and volunteered in her parish school because she firmly 
believed in the high stakes involved in the education of children. Her 
work with children literally transformed their lives. She was keenly 
aware of the fact that giving our children the care and attention they 
need in life was her vocation.
  She understood full well that either we pay now or we pay later. And 
so, she reached out to the parents of these children because she 
instinctively knew that the future of society is inextricably linked to 
the education of the young. Her approach to motivating youth emphasized 
personal responsibility and communal sharing.

[[Page E743]]

  Theodora Johnson lives on in the lives of the people she touched, in 
the good works she left behind, and in the wonderful memories we have 
of her. I know that I speak for all my colleagues in extending to her 
family our deepest sympathy and condolences.

                          ____________________