[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 72 (Friday, April 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E390-E391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE CLAIRMONT JEROME ``POPS'' BARNES

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2024

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving 
husband, outstanding father, proud grandfather, distinguished non-
commissioned officer, dedicated public official, faithful servant of 
God, and friend of longstanding, The Honorable Clairmont Jerome 
``Pops'' Barnes. Sadly, Pops transitioned from labor to reward on April 
14, 2024. A public viewing was held on Wednesday April 23, 2024, at 
Taylor Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama, and a memorial service to 
celebrate his remarkable life was held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 
the Revelation Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.
  The second oldest of five children, Clairmont Jerome Barnes was born 
on June 10, 1943, to the union of the late Pauline White and the late 
Eugene Barnes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was reared by his 
grandmother, Ms. Mary J. White, a woman of great importance in his 
life, who significantly shaped his worldview and instilled within him 
the values of justice, compassion, and determination.
  Pops began his life of service when he joined the Army National Guard 
and enlisted in the United States Army in 1977. Demonstrating his adept 
leadership skills, he quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately 
retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1996. Following his retirement from 
the Army, Pops decided to secure a second bachelor's degree and begin 
the next chapter of his professional career of service. Desiring to use 
his time and skills to help those in need, Pops earned a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Nursing from Columbus State University at the ripe 
young age of 57 and served countless patients as a registered nurse.
  In 2004, Pops answered the call to run for public elective office. He 
entered the race for the District 1 seat on the Columbus, Georgia 
Consolidated Government Council. During the campaign, Pops took the 
time and effort to knock on every door in District 1, so that he could 
meet someone in every household he was running to represent and serve. 
His efforts were rewarded and he was overwhelmingly elected Councilor 
for District 1. Among his accomplishments for District 1 include 
reopening the Boxwood Park, Belvedere Park and Primus King Recreation 
center; leading the effort to hire 100 additional police officers, and 
opening a police precinct in the heart of District 1 to dramatically 
cut the city's crime rate.
  Pops also demonstrated a steadfast passion in advocating for 
Veterans, seniors, and individuals with mental illness. He restarted 
the Tri-City Veterans Day Parade in 2010; started a senior advocacy 
group to help seniors maintain their benefits, and periodically hosted 
the ``Focus on Health'' series from the studios of CCG-TV to provide 
health and wellness education to all citizens in the Chattahoochee 
Valley area. He also launched a youth vocational training program 
entitled ``Opportunity to Get Ahead'' using his own funds; reformed the 
city's employment policy to allow the hiring of non-violent ex-
offenders; and consistently addressed right-of-way upkeep, drainage, 
street resurfacing, and pothole issues throughout District 1 on behalf 
of those he served.
  In addition to his work as a City Councilor, Pops has been recognized 
for his community involvement and service with numerous social and 
civic organizations to include: American Legion; Disabled American 
Veterans Board; American Military Society Board; Red Cross Minority 
Recruitment Board; Concerned Citizens of South Columbus Board; and the 
Columbus Hospice Board. Because of his dedicated commitment to these 
and other organizations he was the recipient of several awards to 
include the Family Caregiver Award (2016); the Living Legends Award 
(2018); the United States Postal Service Purple Heart Award (2019); the 
Distinguished Older Georgian Award (2020); New Horizons Behavioral 
Health Impact Award (2021); the Columbus State University (CSU) Legacy 
Award (2023); the Columbus State University Alumni Award (2023); and 
the River Valley Regional Commission Council Chairman Appreciation 
Award (2023).
  It has been said that ``The true person of success is not the person 
that climbs the ladder of this life with both hands but who climbs with 
one hand and reaches back with the other.'' Pops always reached back to 
help others throughout his life and never shied away from an 
opportunity to improve the quality of life for those in his community. 
On a personal note, Pops Barnes was always available and forthcoming 
regarding issues being considered by Congress. He always gave me sound, 
wise and honest advice. For that I will be forever grateful.
  Pops Barnes accomplished much in his life but none of it would have 
been possible without the grace of God, the love and support of his 
wife, Jannie Mae Barnes; his devoted children, Cheryl, Clairmont, Simi, 
Mary, Robbi, Carla, Phydellis, and Bruce; thirteen grandchildren, and 
nineteen great-grandchildren. But through their love, inspiration and 
support, Pops leaves a legacy that has made Columbus, our nation and 
the world better because he passed this way.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the 765,000 people of 
Georgia's Second Congressional District in celebrating the 
extraordinary life of The Honorable Clairmont Jerome ``Pops'' Barnes 
and in extending our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and 
all who mourn his loss. May we all be consoled and comforted by an 
abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

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