[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 203 (Wednesday, December 2, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H6040-H6041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF WANDA MOODY

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, late last week, east Tennessee said 
goodbye to a beloved member of our community, Wanda Moody, a close, 
dear friend of mine, and mentor, who led incredible careers in the 
field of public service and education. She passed away on Sunday at the 
age of 91.
  Wanda was a strong, tough leader who spent her entire life making 
east Tennessee a better place, Madam Speaker. Wanda was a lifelong 
educator and early advocate for special education.
  In the late 1980s, after leaving the city school system, she fought 
to expand special education initiatives as an assistant commissioner of 
education under then-Governor Lamar Alexander. She later served a 
similar role developing special education programs for the City of 
Knoxville under then-Mayor Kyle Testerman.
  Wanda's success compelled her to run and win a seat on the Knox 
County Commission in 1986. She was one of the first women to serve on 
that legislative body.
  During her three decades as a Knox County Commissioner, Wanda asked 
tough questions and painstakingly reviewed budgets and financial 
documents. She wasn't shy of speaking up for increased government 
accountability and transparency, Madam Speaker.
  Wanda led the charge on many reforms that continue to influence Knox 
County government to this day. Even after leaving public office in 
2006, Wanda remained active and influential in our community.
  Wanda was one of my oldest friends, and her mentorship will forever 
influence my public service career. Although she will be greatly 
missed, I am

[[Page H6041]]

proud to celebrate Wanda's life and recognize her many contributions to 
our community.
  My friend, Wanda, will be missed.

                          ____________________