[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER STATE SENATOR 
                             PRISCILLA DUNN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2024

  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
and legacy of a beloved educator and public servant, former Alabama 
State Senator Priscilla Ann Proffitt Dunn, who passed away on September 
17, 2024, at the age of 80.
  Senator Dunn was born on October 8, 1943, to Johnnie A. Proffitt and 
Mary Ella Walker in Margret, Alabama. She attended J.S. Abrams High 
School, where she made a name for herself as the captain of the Cheer 
Leader Squad and the first Ms. Abrams High.
  Upon graduating from J.S. Abrams High School with Honors in the Class 
of 1961, Senator Dunn continued her educational journey at Alabama 
State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in education, 
and the University of Montevallo where she earned her master's degree 
in education.
  With a lifelong passion for education, Senator Dunn worked in the 
Public School System of Alabama for 30 years where she poured into the 
children of her community. Known for her kindness and generosity, she 
often personally paid for school supplies that many of her underserved 
students could not afford.
  In 1998, motived by the pursuit of justice and an abiding love for 
the people of her community, Senator Dunn sought public office, 
bringing her immense talents to the Alabama State Legislature where she 
represented the Bessemer and Jefferson County area for nearly a quarter 
century. She began her political career in the Alabama House, where she 
represented the 56th District from 1998 to 2009. She later represented 
District 19 in the Alabama State Senate, serving from 2009 until her 
retirement in 2022. Her 24-year tenure was marked by compassionate and 
powerful advocacy on the issues of education, women's and children's 
rights, and combating the epidemic of homelessness.
  Senator Dunn spent her life giving back to her community. She served 
in a leadership capacity on numerous organizations, including President 
of the Concerned Citizens of Bessemer Cut-Off, Coordinator for the 
Jefferson County Democratic Conference, Board Member for the Bessemer 
Civic Center, President of the Humanistic Challengers Federated Club, 
Secretary of Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama, Board Member of the 
Jefferson/Shelby Counties American Cancer Society Advisory Board and 
Board Member for the State Democratic Executive Committee and many 
more.
  Having accepted Christ into her life at a young age, Senator Dunn was 
a devoted servant of God who led by example and always practiced what 
she preached. She was an instructor for the Jefferson County Congress 
of Christian Education and a Trustee and Sunday school teacher for her 
home church, the Shady Grove Baptist Church.
  Senator Dunn is survived by her beloved husband, the Honorable Grover 
Dunn; her daughter, the Honorable Karen Dunn Burks (Eric Burks--
deceased), her brother, Herman L. Lumzy; two grandsons, Grover Blake 
Burks and Frederick Brock Burks; nephews, Herman Lumzy (Jasmine), Mario 
Lumzy (Rhonda); her niece, Tameeka Lumzy Todd (Jeremiah) and a host of 
relatives and friends.
  On a personal note, I was blessed to have known Senator Dunn and her 
wonderful family. As Alabama's first Black Congresswoman, I stand on 
the shoulders of amazing leaders like Senator Dunn who opened the doors 
for me and many others. She was a grand dame whose footsteps we as 
Black women elected officials in Alabama are blessed to follow.
  On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy 
of State Senator Priscilla Dunn and her decades of exemplary service to 
the State of Alabama and our Nation.

                          ____________________