[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 74 (Wednesday, May 11, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING BARBARA BROWN

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, southern Illinois lost a legend and one of 
its brightest lights. Last week, Barbara Brown passed away at the age 
of 61. Barbara was blessed with every God-given gift one could ask for: 
intelligence, strength, compassion, kindness--just to name a few. She 
had it all.
  She was a remarkable woman who wore many hats during her political 
career: vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, precinct 
committeewoman, chairwoman of the Randolph County Democratic Central 
Committee, and treasurer for the Pierre Menard Democrat Club. She also 
helped found and lead the Southwestern Illinois Democratic Women and 
the Southern Illinois Democratic Women, two grassroots organizations 
working toward a more equitable representation of women in all levels 
of government. Barbara Brown was an exceptional leader.
  Born in Red Bud, IL, Barbara spent her life working for the people of 
southern Illinois. In 1985, she earned her doctorate from Southern 
Illinois University, at Carbondale, and a love for teaching. Barbara 
taught political science at SIU for more than 30 years. And when she 
made a commitment to something, she saw it through. Barbara began 
playing the organ when she was 14 years old at St. Mary's Catholic 
Church of Ellis Grove. She became a lifelong parishioner and continued 
playing the organ for more than 40 years.
  The highlights of her life were her family. She and her husband, 
Dick, had three sons: Jay, Matt, and Nate. The tribute Nate gave to his 
mother at her funeral service was every mother's dream: a salute to a 
life of values, caring, support and love.
  Even outside her home, Barbara was the quintessential teacher by the 
book and by her example. She gave up many summers to teach classes in 
American Government and democracy for international students through a 
program funded by the U.S. State Department. Her legendary energy made 
her an inspirational professor and at the same time a tireless public 
servant. She was a trailblazer. Barbara ran for office when many women 
held back. She was a two-time candidate for the Illinois State Senate 
and a nine-time delegate to the Democratic National Convention, 
including playing key roles in the Presidential campaigns for Bill 
Clinton and Barack Obama. And from 2000-2012, Barbara Brown was the 
clerk of courts for Randolph County, IL.
  Outside of politics, Barbara was a cofounder and president of the 
Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership and helped establish the 
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Randolph County. She was a 
force of nature. Through her many leadership roles, Barbara became a 
prominent voice for the rights of women, the underprivileged, and the 
most vulnerable in the community. And that is what public service meant 
to Barbara Brown. She was driven by a willingness to offer a helping 
hand and a caring heart.
  Barbara had an amazing career and was known for many accomplishments, 
but I knew her as a friend, a friend to the people of southern 
Illinois, and an inspiration to us all. Today there is an empty space 
in the world without Barbara Brown. She will be missed, but not 
forgotten. Through the love of her former students, colleagues, 
friends, family, and everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her 
path, Barbara's spirit will always shine on southern Illinois.

                          ____________________