[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 132 (Thursday, September 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             MILDRED L. COX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2009

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
commemorate the life of a very important friend to my home state of 
Indiana, Mildred L. Cox.
  For more than a quarter century, Millie, as she was known, tirelessly 
advocated for Indiana's credit unions and worked to ensure that they 
would provide the best financial services to their members.
  Millie was born to William Clyde and Vonnie Pearl South in Jamestown, 
Tennessee on May 17, 1940. A graduate of Kennard High School in 1957, 
Millie's zest for life was obvious to all those who were fortunate to 
know her.
  As the ``Team Mom'' of her late husband's little league teams and 
president of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Mille touched many 
lives. In her free time, Millie could often be found reading, 
gardening, or researching her family's genealogy; however, it was her 
work on behalf of Indiana credit unions that will cast Millie's most 
lasting legacy.
  Millie joined the staff of the Indiana Credit Union League in 
February of 1977, serving as secretary in the Governmental Affairs 
Department. Due to her tremendous work ethic, Millie was first promoted 
in 1980 and two years later, she became the department's legislative 
coordinator. In this position, Millie began actively lobbying the 
Indiana Statehouse and U.S. Congress on behalf of Indiana's credit 
unions.
  Millie soon became a recognizable figure both at the Statehouse and 
in Washington, D.C. She was known for her passionate convictions and 
spent a great deal of time educating others with regard to the 
legislative process, as well as strongly encouraging political 
involvement.
  In 1986, Millie became the Vice President of Governmental Affairs and 
served as a liaison between the credit unions and regulatory agencies 
that shape policy.
  Upon her retirement in 2003, Millie had amassed a legacy of service 
that will be remembered for generations to come. Of the many honors she 
received, the late Governor of Indiana, Frank O'Bannon awarded Millie 
with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash.
  The Indiana General Assembly adopted a resolution honoring Millie's 
service as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs in 2003, and each 
year, the Indiana Credit Union Foundation now awards the Millie Cox 
Award. It is presented to a deserving recipient that best exemplifies 
Millie's qualities in advocating on behalf of the credit unions.
  Millie was also blessed with a loving family. She will be sorely 
missed by her son Curt, her brothers and sisters, extended family and 
all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
  We have lost an important figure in our community and I have lost a 
dear friend.
  Let us keep Millie Cox and her family in our thoughts and prayers as 
we mark her passing.

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