[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 17 (Thursday, February 2, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JEAN PACE

 Mr. PRYOR. Madam President, it is my great pleasure today to 
recognize an Arkansan and a dedicated public servant on her approaching 
75th birthday. Jean Pace, the longtime mayor of Mammoth Spring, AR, 
will celebrate her birthday on February 11, 2012. Family and friends 
will gather to celebrate not only Jean's birthday but also her tireless 
public service that has spanned 37 years.
  Prior to her time in public office, Jean was drawn to Mammoth Spring 
for a teaching job. Needless to say, she fell in love with the town and 
its people and still lives there today. She spent 15 years teaching in 
the school district and played a significant role in developing the 
school's gifted and talented program as well as the music and band 
programs. Jean's love of music extended beyond the classroom as she 
also taught hundreds of children and adults piano lessons in her free 
time.
  Though Jean loved inspiring her students each day in the classroom, 
she ultimately decided to pursue a greater role in the community and 
ran for mayor. Jean has now served 22 years in the mayor's office, and 
the city and surrounding area have seen substantial improvements with 
her at the helm. Mayor Pace has a reputation for being relentless in 
her pursuit of grant monies and in her efforts to improve the quality 
of life for the residents of Mammoth Spring. Her time and efforts have 
paved the way for such things as a new fire truck for the fire 
department, funding for the Aquatic Conservation and Education Center 
at Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, and various improvements at 
the State Park. Her tenure as mayor also saw Ozarka College open a new 
location in Mammoth Spring, which has provided additional educational 
opportunities to Mammoth Spring residents.
  While her work on behalf of the city is how most people know Mayor 
Pace, I would be remiss not to mention possibly the toughest and most 
rewarding job Jean has held. That is the job of mother and grandmother 
to her wonderful family. Jean's family includes her kids, Suzanne Pace 
Kimes and George Spencer Pace; their spouses, Curt Kimes and Ellen 
Pace; and two grandkids, George Sheffield Pace and Dalton Christine 
Pace. I know they will all enjoy being together to celebrate Jean's 
75th birthday next week.
  Mr. President, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Jean a 
happy 75th birthday and thank her for her 37 years of public service to 
Mammoth Spring.

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