[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARY JANE JORDAN WILLARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2018

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Mrs. Mary Jane Jordan Willard ``SweetMoma,'' a native of New Orleans, 
Louisiana and an adored school teacher. She died on October 2, 2018 at 
the age of 83.
  Mrs. Willard was born on November 1, 1935 in Crowley, Louisiana. Her 
parents were the late Mr. Abraham Jordan and Mrs. Marie Guillory 
Jordan. She was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and 
earned her B.A. degree (Magna Cum Laude) at the age of 54 from Southern 
University at New Orleans.
  Mrs. Willard began assisting in the classroom as a volunteer when she 
realized her true calling. For several years she prepared students for 
their G.E.D. with the New Orleans Urban League Street Academy. She was 
also a counselor with the Louisiana Department of Family Services. For 
over 20 years she was a Social Studies instructor at Alfred Lawless and 
John McDonough High.
  During Mayor Sidney Barthelemy's Administration, Mrs. Willard also 
founded and directed the Total Achievement Problem Prevention (TAPP) 
program, which operated at the St. Bernard Gym. Her program reduced the 
rate of young women dropping out of school and became a model for other 
programs throughout New Orleans.
  Mrs. Willard loved the city and the people of New Orleans. Her legacy 
will forever be a part of the city and her dedication to community 
embodies the spirit of New Orleans. We cannot match the sacrifices made 
by Mrs. Willard, but surely, we can try to match her sense of service. 
We cannot match her courage, but we can strive to match her devotion.
  Mrs. Willard's survivors include eight siblings. In 2012, she laid to 
rest the love of her life and husband of more than 60 years, Dr. Elliot 
C. Willard. From their union 12 children were born: Cynthia, Elliot 
Jr., Regina (Joseph), Jacinta, Walter, Christopher (Rhonda), Bernadette 
(Rufus), Dominic (Terrie), Martin (Nia), Benedict (Diane), Lucita, and 
Katherine. In addition, she has more than 40 grandchildren and more 
than 25 great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Mary Jane Jordan 
Willard.

                          ____________________