[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 39 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JANIE GLYMPH GOREE

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 2009

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
trailblazer whose passing us mourn by all South Carolinians. The 
Honorable Janie Glymph Goree was the first female African American to 
be elected mayor of a South Carolina town. She passed away on January 
13, 2009, at the age of 87 and I ask that we take a moment to celebrate 
her exceptional life and legacy.
  Janie Glymph Goree was born in 1921, the youngest of ten children 
born to sharecroppers Orlander and Chaney Glymph in the Maybinton 
community of Newberry County. Her parents valued education, but there 
were limited educational opportunities for black children growing up in 
the rural, segregated South. Yet one of her teachers recognized her 
potential and provided her with the education she desperately desired.
  Mrs. Goree became the first in her family to attend college. She had 
been awarded a scholarship to attend South Carolina State College, but 
financial problems prevented her from going. Although temporarily 
delayed, she worked as a domestic and eventually earned enough to pay 
her way through Benedict College in Columbia. Her hard work and 
determination paid off and she graduated Magna Cum Laude as 
Valedictorian of the class of 1948. She went on to earn her Masters 
Degree in Basic Sciences and Mathematics from the University of 
Colorado in 1959, and did further study at Notre Dame and the 
University of Wisconsin.
  For 33 years she taught math at Sims High School and Union High 
School, where she spent a great deal of time sponsoring extra-
curricular programs for the students. Knowing the value of an 
education, she also tutored illiterate people and instructed Post 
Office workers. She always sought to improve her knowledge, and 
participated in numerous workshops and conferences.
  Throughout her adult life, Mrs. Goree was active in politics. In 
1978, she was elected Mayor of the Town of Carlisle, which made history 
in South Carolina. A sharecroppers' daughter, who once worked as a 
maid, was now the first black female to serve as Mayor of a South 
Carolina town. The same dogged-determination and dedication that led to 
success in the classroom also enabled Mrs. Goree to have great success 
as a municipal leader.
  During her 22 years as Mayor of Carlisle, she won major grants to 
improve the city's water system, sewers, administration buildings, 
recreation areas, and build a fire department. She knew that basic 
infrastructure was essential to the quality of life for the residents 
in her community, and she made it her top priority. Always one to seek 
and share knowledge, Mrs. Goree was very active in organizations that 
allowed her to take fact-finding trips all over the world, visiting 
every continent except Antarctica.
  She was an active participant in state and national organizations, 
including leadership positions in the South Carolina Conference of 
Black Mayors, the Municipal Association, the National Conference of 
Black Mayors, the Union County Chamber of Commerce and the World 
Conference of Mayors. She was invited to the White House several times, 
and interacted with Presidents and world leaders. For her civic work, 
Mrs. Goree received numerous awards and citations. One of her proudest 
honors was having the Carlisle Town Hall, which she helped to build, 
named in her honor.
  Mrs. Goree was an active member of Seekwell Baptist Church, where she 
served as a volunteer, committee person, and Sunday school teacher. She 
was married to the late Charlie Goree, and is survived by six step-
children, a foster son, and 32 nieces and nephews.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in 
celebrating the life of this extraordinary woman. Janie Glymph Goree 
turned life's challenges into a drive to succeed. This pioneer who 
changed her community was well-known nationally and internationally. 
Her lasting legacy can be seen on all the streets of Carlisle and in 
the countless people she helped educate over the years. Her presence 
will be sorely missed.

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