[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E75]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF DIONNE BAGSBY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2019

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the life of a dear 
friend and true role model, Dionne Bagsby. Her advocacy and public 
service to Fort Worth pioneered the growth and development that we see 
in the community today.
   Dionne was a trailblazer for minorities and women in the city of 
Fort Worth. With her dynamic personality and straight talk, she was 
able to break unprecedented racial and gender barriers throughout her 
life and career.
   Dionne was the first woman and African-American to be elected to the 
Tarrant County Commissioners Court. During her tenure on the court, she 
hired the first Tarrant County African-American precinct administrator 
and greatly enhanced minority employment and participation at the 
county level. When she retired from the commissioner's court in 2005, 
the Texas Legislature honored her community service in a resolution 
stating, ``a distinguished 16-year tenure that has been characterized 
by integrity and excellence.''
   Even after her retirement, she refused to stand on the sidelines. 
She always encouraged young women to speak with confidence and helped 
them aspire to careers that challenged the norm. Dionne served with a 
purpose, making it her mission to leave Fort Worth a better place than 
she found it.
   Dionne Bagsby leaves behind a legacy that will impact and empower 
not only the Fort Worth community but the state of Texas for 
generations to come. I am lucky to have known someone as inspirational 
and dynamic as Dionne.
   My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

                          ____________________