[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ELEANOR L. RICHARDSON

 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, today I mourn the passing and pay 
tribute to a wonderful Georgian, a great leader, and a personal friend 
of mine. The Honorable Eleanor Richardson passed away on February 21, 
2006, leaving a tremendous void in the hearts of all who knew and loved 
this extraordinary woman.
  A long-time resident of Decatur, GA, she was involved in Civic 
Organizations such as the League of Women Voters, serving as the 
president of the Dekalb League and then the Georgia League. It was 
during this time that a friend urged her to run for a vacant seat in 
the Georgia General Assembly, thus beginning her memorable political 
career.
  From 1975 until 1991, she served with great distinction as one of the 
first female members in the Georgia House of Representatives, and I was 
privileged to serve with her for many of those years. She gained an 
impeccable reputation as a faithful advocate for her district and a 
determined voice of the voiceless. Eleanor's legislative priorities 
included issues related to the welfare of children, women, the elderly 
and the homeless. She had an unwavering commitment to justice and 
equality.
  Eleanor was respected by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle 
for her determined leadership. She served on several key House 
committees, including the Appropriations Committee, the Health and 
Ecology Committee and the State Planning and Community Affairs 
Committee, where she served as chair of the local legislation 
subcommittee.
  After retiring from public office, Eleanor was appointed to the newly 
founded Georgia Commission on Women in 1992 and served as its first 
vice chair. She remained a tireless servant to her community and to the 
State through her work on countless other boards and advocacy 
organizations. For over 45 years, she was a faithful and beloved member 
of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, highly active both in the 
local church and in her denomination.
  Eleanor leaves behind a loving and devoted family, including her 
husband, Merlyn Eldon Richardson; her daughter, Merlyn Richardson 
Nolan; her two grandsons, Gaillard Ravenel Nolan, Jr., and Merlyn 
Richardson Nolan; and her two great-grandchildren, Hadley Jane Nolan 
and Parker Richardson Nolan.
  This strong-willed and generous woman devoted her entire life to 
serving others, and she will always be remembered for her compassion, 
integrity, fairness and unshakable commitment to creating a fair and 
just society. She touched the lives of many Georgians, including this 
Senator, through her efforts on behalf of our community.
  It was an honor to know and to serve in the Georgia House with 
Eleanor Richardson, and it is a privilege to be in this Senate and pay 
tribute to her great life.

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