[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 130 (Thursday, September 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORIAM OF DANA MAGNESS CLEMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN RATCLIFFE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2015

  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I submit this memoriam to honor Dana 
Denise Magness Clemons, a dedicated and outstanding citizen of Fannin 
County, Texas, who passed away on April 26, 2015 at the too young age 
of 37 after bravely battling pancreatic cancer. Although her life was 
tragically shortened, Dana profoundly impacted so many youth in her 
community. She committed her career to protecting and serving those who 
were less fortunate, and she left a legacy of caring and love for the 
lives she touched.
   Dana was born in Sherman, TX on August 10, 1977 to Jerry and Brenda 
(Brown) Magness. She was a member of the Class of 1995 Sam Rayburn High 
School and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology 
from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Dana married Kevin Clemons 
on September 12, 2003 in Telephone, TX, and she is the mother of 
Destynie and Kyler Clemons.
   Dana dedicated her enormous energies and talents to helping those in 
her family and her community. She was a staunch advocate for children 
in need, and she protected our society's most vulnerable citizens 
throughout her 12 years of employment with Child Protective Services, 
Children's Medicaid, and Temporary Aid for Needy Family programs in the 
State of Texas. While Dana logged many hours investigating reports of 
abuse or neglect, she encountered dangerous situations. Despite 
personal risk, she put children's safety and well-being as a top 
priority. She was honored to receive the Fannin County Children's 
Advocacy Center's ``Team Member of the Year'' for her work, a 
prestigious and well-deserved award.
   In December 2013, she joined Adult Probation Services which she felt 
was her true calling. Due to her illness, she was unable to fully 
complete her career goals. However, she had a strong impact on those 
she served.
   In addition, Dana had a true giving spirit. If she noticed a special 
need for a child, she would purchase equipment or shoes so the child 
could participate in sports or other activities. Many children were 
benefactors of her anonymous generosity.
   Her most important role was that of mother to her two children, 
Destynie and Kyler. Dana was a wonderful mother who instilled values, 
virtue, respect and old fashioned manners. Most of all, she taught her 
children to pray and to trust in God. During her journey with cancer, 
she modeled how to meet challenges head on, with courage and strong 
faith.
   Dana's heritage includes a family of community servants. While 
serving with the Texas Farm Bureau, her grandfather, Royce Magness, 
spent many hours in Washington, DC advocating for American farmers. 
Dana's father, Jerry Magness, and uncle, David Magness, are County 
Commissioners in the Great State of Texas. Her mother, Brenda Magness, 
and grandfather jointly dedicated more than 60 years of service to our 
Great Nation's Veterans.
   So I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the life of 
Dana Denise Magness Clemons. She left a strong legacy of service and 
dedication to those in need, and she modeled how to face challenges 
with courage and faith. God bless her children and her family, and I 
know her spirit will live on through them.

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