[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BETTY WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2024

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mrs. 
Betty Jo Cook Williams of Texarkana, Texas, who peacefully passed away 
on May 12, 2024 with her family by her side.
  Mrs. Williams was born on December 20, 1943, at Eglin Air Force Base, 
Florida. She spent most of her childhood on a small family farm in 
Henderson County, Texas, where she developed a passion for 
horticulture, conservation, and self-reliance. Mrs. Williams graduated 
with honors from East Texas State University with a bachelor's degree 
in art and a master's degree in education. It was during this time that 
she met her husband of 58 years, Doug. Afterwards, Mrs. Williams began 
her career as a schoolteacher at Texarkana Independent School District, 
where she taught for 33 years. She participated in professional 
development workshops and trained with the Hatton W. Sumner Institute 
to improve her understanding of individual freedom and civic 
responsibility. Throughout the years, Mrs. Williams was recognized as a 
distinguished educator who strived to make a difference in students' 
lives.
  After retiring from TISD, Mrs. Williams stayed in touch with Highland 
Park Elementary School and volunteered to help train new teachers. She 
was a board member of the Bowie and Miller County Literacy Council and 
a treasurer for the Texas Classroom Teachers' Association. For her 
outstanding work, the TCTA selected Mrs. Williams as the ``Retired 
Teacher of the Year'' in 2003. She also served as an election judge for 
Bowie County for over twenty years and attended numerous GOP 
conventions statewide as a delegate. I am saddened to hear of Mrs. 
Williams' passing. Her legacy of dedication, public service, and family 
values will be remembered for many years to come.
  I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor Mrs. Williams' wonderful life. She will be dearly 
missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

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