[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 37 (Thursday, March 14, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H1417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JEAN T. MARTIN

  (Ms. SEWELL of Alabama asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay 
tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Jean T. Martin, a beloved 
Alabamian who passed away March 11 in Selma, Alabama, at the age of 89. 
As a dedicated public servant, Jean Martin was known in our local 
community as a long-serving Selma city councilwoman, an avid local 
historian, and a gifted journalist.
  Personally, Jean was a close friend and trusted mentor. I am deeply 
saddened by her passing, but I am comforted in knowing that her legacy 
will live on through the countless life lessons she taught to so many 
of us.
  Jean Martin worked tirelessly as a community editor for the Selma 
Times Journal. For more than 30 years, she served in various capacities 
at the newspaper.
  She was also an exemplary public servant. She served on the Selma 
City Council from 1996 to 2008, representing Ward 3, and eventually 
became the council's president pro tem. During her tenure, she was an 
exceptional public servant who passionately represented Selma.
  On a personal note, Jean Martin served with my mother, Nancy Gardner 
Sewell, on the Selma City Council and was a beloved colleague and close 
family friend. My brothers and I affectionately called her ``T Jean.'' 
She was an amazing mentor and role model to me, and I credit my love of 
community to her extraordinary example. I am now in Congress and I 
stand on her shoulders because of the many glass ceilings of this 
strong woman who died at 89. She was a wonderful public servant.
  I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in paying tribute to the 
life and legacy of Jean Martin.

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