[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 33 (Thursday, February 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          BARBARA JORDAN--PATRIOT OF THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2015

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Texas lost quite the political 
patriot. A dear friend and tenacious community warrior, Barbara Jordan 
of Kingwood, Texas will be greatly missed. It gives me honor to 
recognize a lifelong volunteer, advocate and inspiration to the 
Kingwood community. The City of Houston and, indeed, the entire State 
of Texas, lost a dedicated leader and friend on February 22, 2015.
  Barbara was born November 28, 1939 in Eagle Lake, Texas. For almost 
her entire life, she has given back to the community she holds so dear. 
Her friends have described her as ``the best volunteer in the world; 
always ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done.''
  As her friend Pauline Adams put it, ``Barbara was a force to be 
reckoned with. She was funny, irreverent and loved by everyone who knew 
her because she always had a smile on her face and a kind word for all. 
However, underneath the graciousness was a true Southern `Steel 
Magnolia'. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.''
  Barbara was a political activist. She was a pioneer for the GOP in 
Houston and Texas back when there were not that many Republicans in 
Texas. She served on numerous boards and organizations throughout the 
years. She was past President and founding member of the Kingwood Area 
Republican Women's Club.
  Barbara Jordan had an infectious spirit. She came to me along with 
Patti Johnson and Peggy Englehadt and suggested that I leave the D.A.'s 
office and apply for the vacancy in the criminal district court in 
Harris County.
  With these women's help, I obtained appointment by then Governor 
Clements and then they helped me get elected as one of the only 
Republican criminal district judges in Harris County in 1982. I have 
Barbara to thank for the 22 years I spent on the bench. But Barbara 
wasn't through.
  Barbara and other Republican women can be credited with getting me 
elected to Congress in 2004. She served as President of the Greater 
Houston Council of Federated Republican Women from 1996-1997, and she 
is responsible for designing a pin for the Greater Houston Council 
officers and club presidents. The tradition of presenting a pin to 
officers and club presidents continues to this day. She has also been a 
member and an officer with one of the most powerful women's political 
organizations in Texas, the Texas Federation of Republican Women. Most 
GOP elected officials credit their elections to the Texas Republican 
Women like Barbara.
  In 1999, Barbara was named Chairman of the Texas Federation of 
Republican Women State Convention. Barbara was ever working for God, 
home and country. She had a passion to keep America strong and Texas 
RED. Many Republicans owe her thanks. Her drive helped get other 
Republicans elected in Harris County.
  My thoughts are with the love of Barbara's life, Ken Jordan--her 
husband of 54 years. The passing of Barbara has left four sons in 
mourning of their mother--John, Mark, Scott, and Todd. She also leaves 
behind four daughter-in-laws and seven cherished grandchildren. Her 
memory will live on, in the many lives she touched along the way. Last 
summer, I visited with Barbara and Ken at their home in Kings Forest.
  Barbara was always gracious and welcoming; she simply was the best 
hostess. She was a loyal friend to me, and although I am saddened by 
her loss, I feel very fortunate for the time and friendship that we 
shared. She will be remembered by many as a devoted community leader, a 
mentor, genuine friend and a great patriot.
  My Grandmother used to say there was nothing more powerful than a 
woman--that has made up her mind. Barbara was one such unique woman.
  Barbara was truly a remarkable Texan who achieved extraordinary 
things in her lifetime and for her community, state and political 
party. And for that, Texas and our people are better because of Barbara 
Jordan.
  That's just the way it is.

                          ____________________