[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E710-E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BERNICE BOOKER DEAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 2010

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of 
Bernice Booker Dean. Sadly, Mrs. Dean passed away on April 23, 2010 in 
my hometown of Flint, Michigan, at the age of 86. Her funeral will be 
held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church on May 1.
  A teacher with the Flint Community Schools for 35 years, Mrs. Dean 
taught at several elementary schools in the Flint system and was a 
reading specialist with the State of Michigan Chapter III and Title I 
reading programs. A passionate advocate for education, reading, social 
justice, the advancement of women, and physical health; Mrs. Dean 
mentored numerous youngsters over the years and helped them pursue 
advanced educational goals.
  During her younger days she was a member of the first integrated all 
female band, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. During World War 
II the band was the first all female group to travel on a USO tour, 
made several records and appeared in movies. Mrs. Dean was also a 
member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority--Gamma Delta Chapter and she 
volunteered in the dialysis department at Hurley Medical Center. She 
was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 53 years. Mrs. Dean leaves 
behind her son, Robert Booker, and her daughter, Patsy O'Neal, several 
grandchildren, and numerous friends.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring the life of Bernice Booker Dean. I pray that the children 
inspired by her life and example will work to carry on her legacy of 
enthusiasm, strength and positive action.

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