[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E504-E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBRANCE OF TILLIE K. FOWLER

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2005

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, along with my fellow Members of Congress, it 
is my honor to pay tribute to my friend and former colleague, Tillie 
Fowler. I extend my very deepest sympathy to Tillie's husband, Buck, to 
her daughters, Tillie and Elizabeth, and to Tillie's family on the 
great personal loss of their loved one. It was my privilege to call 
Tillie Fowler my colleague in Congress and know her as a friend.
  Tillie always had her priorities in order. I always recall her first 
concern in all matters was for Buck, her husband, and her daughters. 
Tillie as I knew her also had a great love of our country. She ran for 
office to make her community, our State of Florida and our nation a 
better place for all. And she never stopped or hesitated in that 
effort.
  Because of the public service of Tillie Fowler, many lives in the 
Jacksonville area and across our great land have been changed. Tillie 
and I were elected to Congress together in 1992. With Tillie's 
leadership the Congress was reformed, people who only had welfare as a 
choice had their lives changed and our nation's military found a new, 
strong advocate at their side. Many lives have been affected by the 
efforts and determination of Tillie Fowler.
  It was my honor to serve with her for eight years and share borders 
of our Congressional Districts over the years, It was my honor to have 
her at my side during congressional redistricting in 2002, when I 
inherited a large portion of her old district and faced a formidable 
reelection challenge. Her support and

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friendship will always have a fond place in my heart and memories.
  So, like many, I have lost a great friend. Unfortunately our nation 
has lost a great leader and patriot. We will all miss Tillie. But each 
day now without her, we can celebrate her life and better appreciate 
her many contributions that helped to make our country a better America 
for all.

                          ____________________