[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF BETTY JANE FRANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2016

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Mrs. Betty Jane France, a lifelong philanthropist, who passed away on 
Monday, August 29, 2016. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire 
France family as they mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman.
  A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Mrs. France dedicated her 
life to the service of others. As the founder and chairwoman emeritus 
of the NASCAR Foundation, she helped lead efforts to grow the sport of 
NASCAR alongside her husband, the late NASCAR Chairman and CEO William 
C. France. Her positive attitude and uplifting demeanor was a source of 
inspiration for all of those around her.
  Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. France was staunchly committed to 
bettering the lives of those around her, particularly the children in 
the community. A strong advocate in the field of children's health 
care, she launched projects that helped establish ``Speediatrics'' 
children's care units at two Florida hospitals. Her work in this field 
also included serving as an honorary co-chairperson for the Childress 
Institute for Pediatric Trauma, as well as on the boards of several 
other community service organizations. For her efforts, the NASCAR 
Foundation created the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award which 
recognizes the outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR 
fans across the country.
  Compassionate, kind, and loving, Mrs. France's impact resonated 
throughout the entire sport of NASCAR. Whether it was in her role as 
Chairwoman, as an advisor to her husband, or as a mother, her impact 
never went unnoticed. As someone who enabled others to explore the 
limitless possibilities of their dreams, she truly left the world a 
better place. While we mourn the loss of Mrs. France, there is no doubt 
in my mind that her legacy will live on through not only her 
professional success but also in the countless lives she was able to 
touch along the way.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the remarkable 
life of Mrs. Betty Jane France.

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