[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 136 (Tuesday, August 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFELONG COMMUNITY SERVICE OF FLO BELLAMY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 15, 2023

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a truly remarkable 
individual, Ms. Flo Bellamy, whose dedication, passion, and selfless 
service to the citizens of Johnson County, Tennesse, have left an 
indelible mark on our community.
  I have personally witnessed Flo's unwavering commitment to the youth 
of our community. One of Flo's most outstanding attributes is the 
genuine love she extends to each child, and it is on display every day 
at the Community Center. This is a woman who, for three years, worked 
without a salary, driven by a vision to establish an afterschool and 
summer program for our youth. Her sacrifices, from collecting 
essentials for the disadvantaged to ensuring that many children receive 
their only meal outside of the school system, showcase her 
unprecedented dedication.
  In addition to her work with the youth, Flo has been a beacon of hope 
for cancer patients, assisting them in navigating their journey, from 
finding care to arranging transportation to medical appointments. Her 
connection to this cause is personal and sincere. Having witnessed the 
devastating effects of cancer in her own family, Flo took the reins of 
the American Cancer Society's county-wide walk for cancer. Even as the 
names and structures of these efforts evolved, Flo's leadership 
remained constant, her shift from fundraising for research to directly 
benefiting local cancer patients made a significant difference in the 
lives of many.
  Furthermore, Flo's teachings have sowed the seeds of understanding, 
tolerance, and unity. She taught respect for all, regardless of race, 
religion, or disability. Due to her influence, I firmly believe that 
the younger generation in our community now embraces differences more 
openly and warmly than ever before.
  However, the testament to Flo's legacy isn't just in the programs she 
led or the funds she raised. It's in the heartfelt stories of grown 
adults, once children under her wing, who approach her in public to 
express their gratitude and love. It's in the newfound perspectives and 
attitudes she fostered in a community that has historically faced its 
own set of challenges.
  As I stand here, my heart swells with gratitude for Flo Bellamy. Her 
decades-long service, from leading the Johnson County--Mountain City 
Community Center to being an unwavering advocate for the most 
vulnerable, has left a mark that will echo across generations. We all 
owe her an immense debt of gratitude.
  I invite my colleagues and the citizens of Johnson County to join me 
in saluting our precious Flo. Her work and her spirit embody the very 
best of our community. We love and cherish her, and I am honored to 
have this opportunity to recognize her monumental contributions.

                          ____________________