[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 145 (Tuesday, December 2, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO MRS. GERALDINE ``JEWEL'' BLUE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 2, 2014

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to 
a wonderful Chicagoan, Geraldine Blue, who passed from this world on 
November 22, 2014.
  Affectionately known as ``Jewel'' to her friends and family, she was 
born in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 8, 1940 to Blanche and Willie 
Johnson, Sr. Jewel's passion for music and dance started early. As a 
young child and teenager, Jewel competed in multiple talent 
competitions with her sisters and cousins. Indeed, the multiple 
invitations to perform locally that they received serve as testimony to 
the skill she and her family possessed. Her family used to say that 
Jewel would ``sing her way to heaven and dance right out of her 
shoes''. This description makes me smile because it captures her zeal 
for music and life. As a young woman, Jewel decided to move to Chicago 
where she met the love of her life, L.C. Blue, with whom she celebrated 
30 years of marriage. Her friends emphasize her devotion to her family 
and commitment to ensuring their well-being. Jewel was a wonderful 
stay-at-home mother to four lovely children, Norris Timothy, Regina 
Pierre, Vonda Yvette and Levelle Christopher. Her nurturing nature and 
talent with children led her husband to encourage her to start a home 
day care. Her 30 years of service to her Chicago community as a local 
child care provider gave hundreds of children and families the strong 
foundation and support needed to thrive in life.
  Jewel's enthusiasm for life and dedication to others also showed in 
her work with the church. She served God via multiple ministries; she 
used her glorious voice in the music ministry and her passion for 
helping others as a member of the Adult Usher Board, Junior Missionary 
Board, and Alter Workers. I understand that her church family 
appreciated the unconditional love she gave to so many without judgment 
or shame. She was genuine and loving. What a beautiful combination.
  Jewel was preceded in death by: her husband L. C. Blue; son Norris 
Timothy; parents Blanche and Willie Johnson, Sr.; and siblings Credale 
Johnson, Emma Jean Brown, Robert Johnson, Sr., and Willie Johnson, Jr. 
Jewel leaves many family members and loved ones to cherish her lasting 
memories, including: her children Regina Pierre, Vonda Yvette, and 
Levelle Christopher; her sisters Rosetta Williams, Lula Phillips, and 
Mary Walton (Raymond); her grandchildren Monique D. Johnson-Smith 
(Rodney), Chanel E. Moore, Jarrett L. Moore, Brandon D. Brazziel, Maya 
A. Moore; her great-grandchild Myles X. Smith; and her 38th Street 
Church family We are grateful to Geraldine ``Jewel'' Blue for her 
tremendous contribution to so many in Chicago and our nation; her 
nurture and love strengthened individuals and communities.

                          ____________________