[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DeMARIS MARSH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of DeMaris Marsh 
of Brandon, Florida, a tireless advocate for America's seniors. Dee's 
passing last week is a tremendous loss to our community.
  Dee devoted countless hours to helping improve the lives of seniors. 
She was an extremely dedicated volunteer for the AARP, serving the 
organization and its members in numerous ways. She volunteered as State 
Director of the AARP in Arkansas and served on the AARP National 
Legislative Council and the Florida State AARP Legislative Council.
  As a Member of Congress, Dee was an invaluable resource to me because 
she was a strong voice for Florida's seniors. As a member of my Long 
Term Care Advisory Board, Dee provided important insight into many of 
the issues and federal programs affecting seniors. I know she advised 
numerous other legislative and political officials as well.
  Dee was also committed to providing direct assistance to her fellow 
seniors. She taught AARP Driver Safety courses and volunteered as an 
AARP Tax-Aide counselor, helping seniors complete their federal tax 
forms. Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida's Grassroots and Community Outreach 
Manager said it best, ``Dee Marsh was a wonderful human being, an 
impassioned advocate for Floridians 50 and older, and a devoted 
volunteer for AARP. Through her many years of advocacy efforts, she was 
a part of helping improve the lives of millions of older Americans. We 
at AARP Florida will miss her kind heart, sharp mind and gracious 
Southern charm.''
  I too will miss Dee and her devotion to helping legislators, like me, 
better serve the needs of our community. On behalf of the entire Tampa 
Bay community, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Dee's 
family.

                          ____________________