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




                VERNA KING--AN INSPIRATION TO SAN DIEGO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, Verna Lee St. Clair King, born and reared in 
Berwick, Louisiana, is the daughter of John Westley St. Clair and 
Florence Ellen Calvin St. Clair. Educated in Louisiana and Texas, she 
earned her A.B. degree from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas and later 
an M.A. from San Diego State University.
  Verna grew up determined to make life better for others. She 
eventually became a teacher, making politics and helping others through 
community service her lifelong hobbies. Her intelligence and insight 
led her to the political arena and the fight for equal education.
  A professional educator in San Diego for thirty years, Verna has a 
long history of involvement with the San Diego Teachers' Association 
(SDTA). Through the SDTA, she represented the National Education 
Association and served as a member of the National Women's Caucus and 
Black Caucus.
  Verna's unselfish nature led her to become increasingly involved in a 
wide array of civic activities: she was vice-chair of the 79th Assembly 
District Committee, served on the 44th Congressional Advisory 
Committee, and was a charter member of the San Diego Council of 
Democratic Women. In addition, she is a charter member and past 
president of Women Inc. She is also involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha, 
CTA, the YWCA, her church, and the Democratic Party. In addition, she 
has recently served on the Community Service Association Board as well 
as the San Diego Historical Site Board.
  Verna's involvement in the community and politics has allowed her to 
interact and work with individuals such as Coretta Scott King, Andrew 
Young, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter, Alan Cranston and Tom Bradley.
  Verna is listed in prominent annuals and has received many awards in 
recognition of her professional and community service. In the past, she 
has been the recipient of the Democratic Committee's Golden Key Award 
and received a Key to the City of San Diego for her outstanding work in 
the field of human relations. For bridging the gap between parents and 
teachers, Verna was honored with an Honorary Service award by the Ninth 
District P.T.A. Her current honors reflect the esteem in which she is 
held by her fellow professionals and by those who have had the pleasure 
of working with her in political and community activities.
  Verna's husband, Alonzo King, now deceased, shared her interests both 
politically and professionally. In addition, Verna and Alonzo were 
blessed with a close family that included five children: Joyce L. King 
Thomas, Verna Lee E. Bickerstaff, St. Clair King, Alonzo King, and 
Reginald King, the latter two of whom are deceased.
  Verna has always been gracious in all of her endeavors, and her 
knowledge and experiences have been invaluable to professionals, 
friends, fellow committee members and the community.
  She truly has been an inspiration to all San Diego.

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