[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 19 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAYOR TONY JUNIOUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 2024

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a trailblazing 
public servant and pillar in the Summerton, South Carolina, community. 
Mayor Tony Junious tragically passed away on January 27, 2024. He was 
loved by everybody who knew him and will be sorely missed.
  Born and raised in Summerton, Tony embodied the spirit of the town. 
Attending Clarendon County schools, he had an insatiable desire to 
learn and graduated from Scott's Branch High School as class President 
in 1995. Though Tony became a successful entrepreneur, it was his 
passion for education that led him to public service. The community 
elected him to serve on various Clarendon County School District Boards 
of Trustees. During his tenure, Tony increased high school graduation 
rates, began career readiness programs, volunteered at school events, 
mentored young leaders, and organized scholarship dinners for Scott's 
Branch High School Seniors. He was especially committed to younger 
students and ensuring they had a strong foundation to prepare them for 
the future.
  After spending two decades advocating on behalf of Summerton's 
children, Tony ran for Mayor of Summerton with a bold vision of moving 
the town forward bolstering economic development, improving the water 
system, and bringing more healthcare options to the area. On April 5, 
2022, Tony was elected the first Black Mayor of Summerton. In his first 
year, Mayor Junious achieved significant milestones; securing a $25,000 
Hometown Grant, securing $12 million in infrastructure grants, 
initiating a Hood zone study, participating in the Broadband Internet 
Access Survey, establishing a Community Clean-Up Group, and passing an 
ordinance on firearms safety.
  While Mayor Junious had big visions for Summerton, he had an even 
bigger heart. He had a gift for making every person in the town feel 
they belonged and that their voice was heard. With an infectious smile 
and a heart of gold, he emanated a sense of pride for Summerton that 
rippled through the entire community. Even during difficult times, his 
warm presence and astute leadership reassured everyone that no 
challenge was too big to overcome. Whenever Mayor Junious set his mind 
to something, rest assured he would achieve it.
  A man of deep faith, Tony attended various churches throughout his 
life and was ordained an Elder and Minister. He recently received his 
Doctorate under the leadership of Apostle Elizabeth Gipson at the Open 
House of Prayer Healing and Deliverance Ministries, where he served as 
Chair of the Pastor aide committee.
  Left to cherish Tony's memory is his loving wife, LaShenda Miller 
Junious, his mother, stepmother, grandmother, four sons, three 
daughters, stepdaughter, adopted daughter, grandchildren, brothers, 
sisters, and many more.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing 
the life of Mayor Tony Junious. In his honor, the people of Summerton 
have committed to moving forward with the vision Mayor Junious put in 
motion, a testament to the enduring impact of his legacy that will 
resonate for many years to come.

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