[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING NELLIE RUTH RILEY LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise with a 
great sense of loss as I pay tribute to Nellie Ruth Riley Lewis, an 
educator, prominent Dallas community leader, and my friend who left us 
on March 1, 2008, at the age of 70. Throughout her life, Nellie Lewis 
was a well-known, respected figure in Dallas who leaves behind a legacy 
of accomplishments that will be remembered for years to come.
  A native of North Carolina, Mrs. Lewis received her bachelor's degree 
from Howard University and her master's degree in education from George 
Washington University. For the first 17 years of her career, she taught 
in the public schools of Washington, DC, where she became the 
supervising director of reading for the District.
  Mrs. Lewis moved to Dallas in 1977 with her late husband Dr. Lewis, 
where they were both employed with the Dallas Independent School 
District. During her 20 years with DISD, Mrs. Lewis' duties included 
serving as an instructional specialist, a curriculum coordinator, and 
an area director. She also served as director of learning services, the 
administrative assistant to four superintendents, and supervisor to a 
group of 10 elementary school principals.
  She continued her lifelong devotion to education, even after her 
retirement from DISD, serving on several committees and as the 
president of the Dallas region of the National Alliance of Black School 
Educators.
  In 1997, Mrs. Lewis received the Charles D. Moody Founder's Award, 
presented by the National Alliance of Black School Educators.
  As our Nation experiences great technological innovation and success 
in the global market, the value of an education takes on even greater 
importance. Mrs. Lewis has exhibited the characteristics we seek in our 
educators, school administrators, and community activists.
  Mrs. Lewis was married to Napoleon B. Lewis, who preceded her in 
death. In addition to her son, Mrs. Lewis is survived by three sisters: 
Inez Riley McClain of Fayetteville, NC; Carolyn Riley Payne and Deborah 
Riley, both of Seattle, WA; and three grandchildren.
  On this day, Madam Speaker, I join her family, her friends, and all 
of Dallas and the Nation, in mourning the loss of a dear and special 
friend. She will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________