[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 14 (Thursday, January 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E78-E79]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO LENA ``JACKIE'' JACQUELYN TAYLOR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 2024

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to extend my condolences to the family and community mourning the 
passing of Lena Jacquelyn Taylor, affectionately known as ``Jackie,'' a 
caring and benevolent entrepreneur and a passionate champion for 
community engagement. It saddens me to say that Jackie passed 
peacefully in the early morning of Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
  Born on June 9, 1945, in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, to the 
loving embrace of Thomas Bartholomew and Delta Ivory Thompson, Jackie, 
the youngest of eight children, proudly stood as one of ``Mama Delta's 
Finest.''
  Jackie's educational journey unfolded within the halls of Milwaukee 
Public Schools, where she assumed leadership as the cadet captain at 
Lee Street Elementary School. She progressed to John Marshall High 
School, where she became part of the inaugural class of African 
American students to integrate into the school.
  In 1965, Jackie and Wilbert united in matrimony, fostering a family 
that extended beyond their own, embracing nieces and nephews as their 
own. The marriage may have seen its course, but the commitment to 
parenting and supporting their daughter, Lena Carolyn Taylor, endured. 
Jackie's return to education at MATC and UW-Milwaukee marked a 
significant chapter, guided by her exceptional counselor, Jimmy 
Johnstone.
  Jackie's professional journey was interwoven with roles at American 
Motors, AO Smith, and Milwaukee Public Schools. Simultaneously, she 
immersed herself in her mother's business ventures, accumulating 
invaluable knowledge. After completing her coursework, fueled by her 
mother's entrepreneurial spirit, Jackie embarked on her path as a 
business owner, collaborating in managing a grocery store, restaurant, 
real estate holdings, and facilities aiding veterans and the unhoused.
  Her benevolent spirit, inherited from her mother, manifested in civic 
engagement as an Elks Temple No. 247 member. Jackie orchestrated 
debutante balls, displaying dynamic leadership, providing invaluable 
social etiquette and moral guidance to young black women.
  In the later stages of her life, she joyfully welcomed her ``darling 
baby boy,'' Jacques Taylor. A devout believer from a young age, 
Jackie's spiritual journey took a profound turn under the pastoral 
leadership of Reverend Thomas B. Moody at Solomon Community Temple 
United Methodist Church. Her commitment to Christ and the church 
catalyzed the establishment of The Love House in 1994, a faith-based 
initiative offering support to the unhoused, returning citizens and 
those grappling with mental health challenges.
  For nearly three decades, The Love House, initially rooted in her 
home, evolved into a beacon of hope. Jackie's tireless efforts 
surpassed counseling to encompass securing employment, fostering 
independence, and reuniting individuals with their families and 
communities. Every week, she hosted a food pantry, spreading love 
through her culinary creations and warmly welcoming everyone who 
crossed her path.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Lena 
``Jackie'' Jacquelyn Taylor. She has helped transform the lives of so 
many people, including my constituents. The people of the 4th 
Congressional District,

[[Page E79]]

the State of Wisconsin, and the United States benefitted greatly from 
her commitment to service.

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