[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 59 (Thursday, April 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PASSING OF MS. BESSIE M. SWINDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 4, 2019

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the life and 
legacy of a distinguished member of my Houston staff, a constituent, 
and more importantly a dear friend who passed away on Thursday, March 
28, 2019 in Houston, Texas.
  Ms. Bessie Swindle was born June 5, 1939 in Loreauville, Louisiana, 
relocating to Houston, Texas as a young adult where she went on to 
become a pillar of the Sunnyside community.
  Over the course of more than fifty years, she used her skills as a 
community organizer to make a difference in Houston. Prior to serving 
as an outreach coordinator in my Houston office, she founded and served 
as president of the Cloverland Civic Club, representing 400 homeowners 
in the neighborhood, sponsoring fundraisers, aiding needy families, and 
raising money for scholarships.
  She was involved with several organizations and used her voice to 
represent Sunnyside residents as a Parent/Teacher Association member, 
Troop Leader for Girl Scouts of America San Jacinto Council, President 
of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church ``55 Plus'' Club, Community 
Liaison for former Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Michael Butler 
and Constable Perry Wooten, member of Mayor Bill White's Phone Tower 
Commission, and member of the City of Houston Police Officers Civil 
Service Commission. She also served as president of Southeast Coalition 
of Civic Clubs and Precinct Judge for Harris County Voting Precinct 
271.
  During her distinguished lifetime of service, she was the recipient 
of numerous awards and recognitions, including Parent of the Year from 
James H. Law Elementary in 1975, the Mayor's Award for Outstanding 
Volunteer Service in 1996, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Award in 
1999, the Sir Knight Dennis Armelin Humanitarian Award in 2004, Mayor 
Bill White's proclamation of Bessie M. Swindle Day in 2007, the naming 
of the Bessie Swindle Community Center in Sunnyside, Houston, Texas in 
2009, as well as the street naming of Bessie Swindle Way in 2010.
  It is eminently clear that Ms. Bessie M. Swindle was no ordinary 
community servant. She used her influence to constantly stand up for 
those who needed her assistance--and she made a difference. Ms. Bessie 
Swindle will be greatly missed for her wit, wisdom, and willingness to 
work hard. Her contribution will never be forgotten.
  I would like to send my condolences to Ms. Swindle's family, friends, 
and all those who will miss her dearly. I hope that, even in this sad 
time, Ms. Swindle's record of unselfish dedication to her city and 
community will serve as a bright light for those who dare to follow in 
her footsteps.
  Ms. Bessie M. Swindle is survived by one daughter: Jackie Swindle. 
She is also survived by four brothers, one sister, and many beloved 
nieces and nephews.

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