[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 106 (Thursday, July 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF VIVIAN E. JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2015

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great sadness as I 
announce the passing of my longtime District Administrator, Vivian E. 
Jones. As I speak with profound sorrow, I ascend to celebrate a life 
well lived and to remember with fondness the accomplishments of a 
remarkable woman who, over her 45 years of service to me and this body, 
etched her name in the walls of Congress as one of its longest serving 
staff members.
  Vivian's death on July 2, 2015, brought immense sorrow and loss to 
me, my staff, and to the countless constituents that counted on her 
assistance. The many who met and were touched by Vivian and her life's 
work can attest that she was equal parts strong mind and ample heart, a 
humble soul who cared deeply about the issues of the day and their 
impact on everyday people. And yet she was able to influence public 
decision making, develop activities of enormous impact and provide 
motivation, inspiration, and consolation to the younger members of my 
staff
  Vivian Jones goes back to my days at law-firm Weaver, Evans, Wingate 
& Wright. She was my administrative assistant when I first practiced 
law. Vivian became a part of my campaign staff in March of 1970, when 
I, then a young New York State Assemblyman, challenged the legendary 
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. for the Congressional Seat.
  Upon election to the Congress, she joined the Congressional Staff as 
my Executive Secretary. As a freshman Congressman, I was the 
beneficiary of Vivian's previous experience with secretarial and 
paralegal work. She immediately became responsible for my schedule and 
constituent services in the district office, which was all done without 
computers in those early days of my career in the House.
  In 1975, Vivian succeeded Virginia Bell as the District Administrator 
(District Director). In her new role, Vivian's responsibilities 
expanded to the role of a Chief of Staff in the District. She managed 
the local district offices, directed work activities, supervised staff, 
and oversaw and coordinated activities in the different communities of 
the Congressional District. As a woman in this role in the 1970's and 
proceeding decades, she was quite an effective leader and powerful 
force in pushing my agenda forward in the district. She continued this 
role until January 1999, when Vivian relinquished her role, reducing 
her work load, and began working part-time.
  Although only part-time, a loyal colleague, Vivian Jones, continued 
to coordinate my schedule in conjunction with the scheduler in 
Washington, DC. She handled all personnel matters pertaining to 
district staff, and prepared correspondences of varying complexity for 
my signature. Vivian continued to arrive at the office in the wee hours 
of the morning on her assigned days. As always, she remained committed 
to offering a sympathetic ear or to jump start a slow or reluctant 
bureaucracy for a constituent.
  For over 50 years, Vivian's dynamic spirit and sense of purpose 
served me and all of her past colleagues as a motivation and driving 
force. She provided the people of the Congressional District incredible 
assistance over her many years of service to Congress and was a devoted 
friend to her colleagues and agency staff.
  A simple speech from the floor of this sumptuous body will never ease 
the pain of losing such a precious soul. I can only hope that all of 
those whose lives were touched by her can take solace in knowing that 
all of her hard work, guidance, and care throughout the years exceeded 
all measures of selflessness and devotion to our country. As I stand 
here with my heart filled with grief, I honor her, not only for her 
courage, loyalty, faithfulness, and generosity, but also for her simply 
being a true embodiment of the vision and determination of women that 
have strengthened and transformed America. No one can ever replace such 
a precious human being. She is survived by her brother Neil Jones and 
her niece Joyce Rodriguez.
  Mr. Speaker, rather than mourn her passing, I would hope that my 
colleagues join me in celebrating the life of our beloved Vivian Jones 
by remembering that she exemplified greatness in every way. She was, in 
life, a shining example of all the best in our land. There is no doubt 
that she will always be remembered for her extraordinary commitment, 
energy, wisdom, principle, and clear purpose which won the admiration 
of all those who were privileged to come to know her. As stated in 
Psalm 116:15, ``Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his 
saints.'' In rest, may she find the peace we all seek.

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