[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF VERNA M. WOOLFOLK-SLOAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2007

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in honor of Verna M. 
Woolfolk-Sloan, who passed away on Wednesday, January 31, at the age of 
81. Verna lived in Central California's Monterey County for more than 
50 years. In that time she built a great record of personal, 
professional, and community achievement in advancing equal employment 
opportunity for women and minorities.
  Verna was born in Providence, Kentucky and received straight A's 
throughout school, indicative of professional successes to come. She 
graduated as class Valedictorian from Rosenwald High School. Verna 
married Sergeant First Class Robert D. Sloan and they traveled 
throughout the United States and Germany with their son Joseph. They 
first set down roots in Seaside with her husband's 1955 posting to Fort 
Ord. A lifelong learner, Verna studied at Monterey Peninsula College, 
was awarded high honors in a Masters Degree in Business Administration 
from Golden Gate University, and later completed a Ph.D. in 
Organizational Psychology from International University.
  Verna's motivation for education and equal opportunity came from her 
paternal grandparents, former slaves, who established Woolfolk School 
as the first Black secondary school in Kentucky. These principles 
guided her civil service career, which she began in 1956 as a simple 
typist, before climbing the career ladder as an accountant, manager, 
and ultimately Director of the U.S. Army's Equal Opportunity Office, 
which monitored and oversaw equal employment opportunity programs at 
Fort Ord and Fort McArthur. Here, she was the highest-ranking civilian 
employee at these bases.
  Retiring after forty years of civil service employment gave Verna an 
opportunity to become ever more deeply involved in her local community 
as a volunteer. She was a Golden Heritage life member, Secretary and 
Executive Committee member of the Monterey Peninsula's branch of the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and held 
seats on the boards of many Christian, cultural, and women's 
organizations. Verna was a role model and inspiration to countless 
young women and minorities in her local Monterey County, and was 
recognized with a number of awards, including the Outstanding Woman of 
Achievement Award and the Outstanding Equal Opportunity Officer award.
  She is survived by her sister Eloise Wells of Marina, her brother 
Thomas Woolfolk of Chicago, grandson Joseph Sloan, Jr. of Atlanta, 
along with numerous beloved family members, including two great great 
nieces, one great great nephew, and three godchildren. Many of her 
family are also based in Seaside or Monterey County, which will ensure 
her legacy is continued and her work remembered in the district.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House, I would like to extend our 
Nation's deepest thanks for Verna's service to the United States and 
her local community. Her dedication and commitment opened the door to 
equal opportunity for many to whom that door would have otherwise been 
closed, and I know that I speak for every member of Congress when I say 
that it is our honor to recognize her today.

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