[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 65 (Thursday, May 12, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H3229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF THE VIOLENT TENNESSEE STORMS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I come to the floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives to remember the four victims who tragically 
lost their lives in Bledsoe County as a result of the severe storms and 
tornadoes that struck middle Tennessee on April 28, 2011.
  Loretta Winters Bellos was dearly loved by those in her community. 
She was described by friends as a generous and beloved friend who will 
be greatly missed.
  Loretta's sister, Patricia Lynette Thompson, attended Brayton Baptist 
Church in Graysville and was previously very involved in the Tremont 
Baptist Church. Those that knew her said that her faith and her church 
family were a very important part of her life. Her family says they 
will remember her as ``the best mother, grandmother and wife in the 
world.''
  Debbie Gibbs Fox was known as an avid animal lover and her husband, 
Harold ``Sonny Boy'' Hudson Fox, was described by friends as someone 
with a lightened spirit who was always a joy to be around.
  To all the families and friends of each of these victims, I'm sorry 
for your loss and offer my deepest sympathies.
  I would also like to take a moment to recognize the many emergency 
management service workers and volunteers that have worked tirelessly 
to help the victims overcome this terrible tragedy. While touring the 
damage left by these storms, I was extremely touched by the kindness 
and generosity of the many people who were there to immediately lend a 
hand to their neighbors in this time of great need.
  I know that the rebuilding process will be difficult and that much 
was lost, but I'm confident that our community will get through this. 
My wife, Amy, and I are keeping the families of the affected members in 
our thoughts and prayers as they begin the process of rebuilding their 
lives. May God bless you.

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