[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARY JOHNSON

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary 
life of Mary Johnson, who passed away on June 7, 2013 at the age of 87. 
Mrs. Johnson, a fixture of Buffalo's Ellicott community, was a 
pioneering activist whose life was an unwavering crusade for the 
betterment of others.
   Mrs. Johnson was truly adored by her neighbors as a tireless 
advocate for the less fortunate. A nearly lifelong resident of the 
Frederick Douglass Housing complex, Mrs. Johnson was a fearless force 
dedicated to improving public housing in the community for more than 
fifty years. In 2001, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority 
recognized her spirited volunteerism with the dedication of Mary 
Johnson Boulevard on Buffalo's East Side.
   An active, steady force for change, Mrs. Johnson gave her time and 
talents to myriad organizations focused on community advancement. She 
served on the board of directors of the Community Action Organization 
and was a member of the JFK Community Center, Urban League Education 
Auxiliary Group, AMVETS Auxiliary Post 5, Ellicott Neighborhood 
Advisory Council, and the YMCA Heart of the Home Club. Her tenure with 
the Buffalo Urban League alone spanned over twenty three years.
   Mrs. Johnson was an unselfish champion for her community and will be 
remembered as a lasting role model for those graced with her 
acquaintance. Her enduring contributions have made Buffalo a better 
city for generations to come.
   The love Mrs. Johnson poured into her community is equaled by her 
love of family. The wife of the late, great Billy Johnson, this caring 
mother is survived by her son, George Jr., and six daughters, Jean Ann 
Robinson, Estelle Arlene Blue, Catherine Lee Watkins, Virginia Beard, 
Anna Mae Hoskin, and Mary Harris.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a moment to remember the life 
of this remarkable woman. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering 
our sincere condolences to her family. I am grateful for her 
innumerable good works and inspired by her legacy.

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