[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 22, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E58-E59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING CLAUDINE BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 22, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and service of Mrs. Claudine Brown. Mrs. Brown exemplified what 
can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a genuine desire to 
make her community a better place.
  Claudine Ferguson was born in Holmes County, Mississippi, on July 22, 
1931, to Mr. Walter Ferguson and Mrs. Willie Mae Ferguson. She was the 
eldest of seven children and grew up with a strong sense of 
responsibility and commitment to her family. She received her primary 
education at public schools in Jackson and Greenwood, Mississippi, and 
furthered her education at Mississippi Valley State University and 
Draughon's Business School.
  Claudine Ferguson was married to the late Mr. Josh Brown for thirty-
seven years and later to the late Mr. Jimmie Owens. She was the mother 
of seven children and emphasized the importance of hard work and 
education. All of her children went on to earn college degrees.
  In 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Brown purchased property in the Browning 
community, an area she grew to love and was determined to improve. In 
1974, Mrs. Brown organized the Browning Progressive Civic League to 
enhance the Browning community. The League's accomplishments included 
paving roads, upgrading utilities, and restoring an artesian well that 
provided water for the entire area.
  The impact of Mrs. Brown extended beyond the Browning community. In 
1980, she became the first African American woman to serve on the 
Leflore County School Board, a position she held for more than two 
decades.
  In 1983, Mrs. Brown was elected as the first Black Tax Assessor/
Collector in Leflore County, Mississippi. She has also received 
numerous awards and recognitions, including:
  Community Service Award (Greenwood Voters League), Citizen of the 
Year (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority), Outstanding Service to the Browning 
Community Award (Morning Star M.B. Church), Community Service Award

[[Page E59]]

(Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority), Citizen of the Year (Omega Psi Phi 
Fraternity).
  In recognition of her community work, the Rising Sun Elementary 
School in Greenwood, Mississippi, was renamed the Claudine F. Brown 
Elementary School in 1994.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, 
legacy, and service of Mrs. Claudine Brown for her civic contributions 
and her unwavering love for her neighbors and community.

                          ____________________