[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DEBBIE HALEY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
pay tribute to a longtime civic and political leader from East 
Houston--Debbie Haley of Terrell--who died recently at the age of 72. 
Mrs. Haley was an outstanding citizen who devoted a lifetime to helping 
those in her community, and she will be missed by all those who knew 
her.
  Leona Deborah Penn Haley was born on February 24, 1935, in Queens, a 
borough of New York City, the daughter of Edward and Rella Penn. She 
was a graduate of Queens College. From 1958 to 1966, Haley taught in 
elementary schools in New York and Nashville, TN. In 1968, Haley and 
her husband, a physician, moved to Houston.
  Mrs. Haley emphasized education as the key to advancing minority 
interests. Founder of the Texas Black Caucus, in 1976, she was a 
delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
  Debbie Haley was also a president of the Cultural Arts Council of 
Houston and Harris County. For years, she also was a board member of 
the United Negro College Fund.
  Madam Speaker, Debbie Haley's commitment to her community, her legacy 
of generosity, and her selflessness serve as an example to all 
Americans. It is people like Debbie, working together in communities in 
Texas that make our Nation so great. We can celebrate the power of one 
individual, Debbie Haley, by bringing the best out of all us in our 
neighbors, our community, and our Nation.
  In addition to her son Anthony, survivors include her husband, Ronald 
Haley of Houston; two other sons, Sean Haley of Pearland and Kyle Haley 
of North Hollywood, Calif.; and a daughter, Rhonda Sewell of Sugar 
Land.
  She was well-loved and well-respected in Houston and Texas, and she 
will be missed by all those who knew her. Madam Speaker, I am honored 
today to pay a final tribute to this outstanding community leader, 
Debbie Haley.

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