[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2169-E2170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LILLIE MAE WHITE JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 17, 2007

  Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of 
Congress, but as Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, to pay 
tribute to an outstanding Texan and human being, Mrs. Lillie Mae White 
Johnson, who passed away on Monday, October 15, 2007. Mrs. Johnson was 
a woman of

[[Page E2170]]

character, compassion, and courage, and she will be mourned by a large 
circle of family, friends and admirers.
  She was born January 9, 1911 in Waco, Texas. The youngest of six 
children born to Thomas and Sarah Burks White, she was preceded in 
death by her parents, her husband Edward Johnson, and siblings Beulah 
White Bridgewater, Eliza White Ashford, Ella White Glasker, George 
White and Arthur White.
  Mrs. Johnson was an honor graduate of AJ Moore High School, which is 
located in Waco, Texas in 1929 and attended Central State Business 
College. She married Edward Johnson in 1931 and was a faithful and 
devoted wife for almost 50 years. To this marriage, four children were 
born; three daughters and one son. After he husband's death in 1981, 
she moved to Grand Prairie, Texas and made her home with her oldest 
daughter, Sallye Moore.

  At an early age, Mrs. Johnson joined the Chapel Hill Baptist Church 
in Waco, Texas and later joined the Toliver Chapel Baptist Church. They 
were loyal and faithful members for almost 50 years. As a member of 
Toliver Chapel Baptist, she was active in the Women's Mission, sang in 
the choir, and assisted with many children's activities.
  Mrs. Johnson loved traveling. In addition to residing in Texas, she 
lived in Florida and California while her husband served in the United 
States Navy and pursued his career in civil service for the United 
Sates Department of Veteran Affairs.
  Mrs. Johnson was raised in a spiritually influenced home with strong 
family values shared with her children. Her children, grandchildren, 
and many nieces and nephews are blessed to have been influenced by her 
deep Christian faith and joyous disposition. She was a compassionate 
person who loved to spend time with her children and their families. 
Her family will deeply miss her smile, her personal warmth, and 
thoughtful ways. For many years, Mrs. Johnson hosted large family 
dinners and catered to her family member's individual preferences.
  She was a founding and active member in the Mamie Robinson Social and 
Family Charity Club until she relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas. The 
Waco News Tribune in 1979 and the Delta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1980 named Mrs. Johnson ``Mother of the Year.''
  After moving to Grand Prairie in 1981, she joined St. John Baptist 
Church. As a member of St. John, Mrs. Johnson was active in the Senior 
Women's Ministry, Ruth and Doris Ministry, Mission Choir, Generations 
Ministry and Adult Sunday School. In the community, she served as a 
member of the Willing Workers, Carter-Olive Senior Citizens Group and 
was a strong supporter of the Johnie Stanton, ``Just Say No'' Club. She 
especially enjoyed the fellowship of the Senior Citizen's Nutrition 
Group.
  Mrs. Johnson was a dedicated homemaker. Mrs. Johnson's love and 
dedication to her husband, her children, and grandchildren is what 
provided them with the inspiration in which to achieve their many 
accomplishments.
  She loved her home and was happiest when she was with her family. 
Mrs. Johnson was also an avid reader. Her children and grandchildren 
cherish the memories of the time she spent with them in the small 
library she established in the family home.

  She is survived by her daughters, Sallye Ruth Johnson Moore and 
husband, Vandine of Grand Prairie, TX, U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice 
Johnson of Dallas, TX and Washington, DC and former husband Lacy Kirk 
Johnson, Lee Helen Johnson Willis of Houston, TX and husband Favor 
DePriest Willis, Esq. (deceased), son Carl Edward Johnson and wife 
Beverly; grandchildren: Gregory Dean Moore and wife Juana of PIano, TX, 
Dawrence Kirk Johnson and wife Sondra of Austin, TX, Karlton Jamar 
Johnson and Kanish JaKayel of Waco, TX; great grandchildren: Gregory 
Dean Moore II and Preston Andrew Moore of PIano, TX, Dawrence Kirk 
Johnson II, David Edward Johnson and James Lacy Johnson of Austin, TX, 
Jay Lynne Kourtney Johnson and Karlton Jamar Johnson II of Waco, TX; 
Special Niece: Luberta White Mayse of Waco, TX, Special Nephew: Robert 
Lee (RL) Ashford of Los Angeles, CA, sister in law: Mrs. Fannie Mae 
Johnson Wells of Brenham and Giddings, TX and many other special nieces 
and nephews and a host of family members and friends.
  On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus and our colleagues in 
Congress, may God carry her soul gently in her passage to peace. We 
know God joins with us today as we pray, ``Sleep well my good and 
faithful servant.'' May we all know the service to others as epitomized 
by Mrs. Lillie Mae White Johnson.

                          ____________________