[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MS. DOROTHY BLAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the life of Mrs. Dorothy ``Dottie'' Jones Blair, who passed away 
on January 19, 2010 at the age of 74.
  Mrs. Blair was a pioneer in Dallas and diligently served her 
community through her hard work and determination. In the 1960's, Mrs. 
Blair became one of the first African American Certified Registered 
Nurse Anesthetists in the country and helped pave the way for many 
African Americans and women who would have this profession after her. 
In 1975, she helped to establish Concord Baptist Church where she was a 
charter member and co-teacher of the Smith-Blair Sunday school class 
for 33 years. Later she would found Holmes Street Inc., a nonprofit 
residential and outpatient treatment center for adolescent boys 
suffering from chemical dependency. Through the years, this center has 
served over 1,000 patients.
  This remarkable dedication to the community garnered Mrs. Blair 
numerous awards, and in 2007 she was honored by the Minnie H. Goodlow 
Page Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women Inc. with the Mary 
McLeod Bethune Award for outstanding service. Additionally, she was a 
member of the South Dallas Negro Business and Professional Women's 
Club.
  Madam Speaker, Mrs. Blair was a remarkable woman who never faltered 
in her willingness to help people. I ask my fellow colleagues to join 
me today in honoring this woman who gave so much to Dallas. She will be 
truly missed.

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