[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 141 (Friday, September 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    HONORING EMMA INEZ HIGH JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 2, 2022

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I 
rise to honor the life of Mrs. Emma Inez High Johnson.
  Born in New Market, Alabama, Emma Inez High Johnson began an uncommon 
life of modesty, sacrifice, and service. Her commitment to men, women, 
and children from all walks of life made her efforts more distinct and 
special. It was over twenty-five years ago when Bishop Victor T. Curry 
affectionately and appropriately tabbed Emma, Queen Inez. This 
noteworthy and royal designation perfectly captured the very essence of 
a woman, regal in both nature and nurture.
  This accomplished, yet uncomplicated, woman was proudly connected to 
her faith and her family, readily accepting her divine destiny and 
mission as a wife, mother, nurturer, worshipper, and most importantly, 
a woman of faith. Emma labored to ensure that those with whom she 
worked were treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. Her 
encouragement and empowerment of her colleagues in many ways reflected 
her warm spirit.
  Emma wed the late Pastor Joe Cephus Johnson in 1966 and together they 
celebrated three children and a 52-year marriage.
  As first lady of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Emma labored 
fervently in service. As chairwoman of Women in the Spirit of 
Excellence (W.I.S.E.), servant leader of the Women's Ministry, Sunday 
School and Vacation Bible School instructor, a member of the 
Encouragement Ministry, Women's Day speaker, and directress of 
Ebenezer's Angelic Choir, Emma's multi-giftedness was constantly on 
display.
  Beyond the walls of Ebenezer, Emma's work for an assortment of causes 
and organizations was hard to miss. In her roles as vice president of 
the International Association of Minister's Wives and Minister's Widows 
Coterie of South Broward, a member of the Progressive Kingdom Baptist 
Association, a member of the Divine Divas, and a 2nd Generation Member 
of the Red Hatters Society International, Emma was deeply entrenched in 
the work of community service.
  My heart is with her daughters and family, and the entire Ebenezer 
Missionary Baptist Church family in mourning the loss of this kind and 
compassionate and virtuous woman.
  We are forever blessed to have shared this time with Queen Inez on 
Earth. May her memory be a blessing.

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