[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF BRENDA FAYE GRAHAM JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2025

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Brenda Faye Graham 
Johnson, who passed away on March 26th at the age of 77.
  On March 31, 1947, Ms. Johnson was born in Christiansburg, Virginia, 
but was raised in nearby Salem, Virginia. After graduating from Andrew 
Lewis High School, she attended Marion College in Marion, Virginia. Ms. 
Johnson graduated as part of the last class from Marion College.
  Following her studies at Radford University, where she earned a 
teaching degree, Ms. Johnson taught in the classroom. She stayed close 
to Southwest Virginia during her life and raised a family with her 
loving husband, Don, by her side.
  In addition to her service as an educator, Ms. Johnson helped 
contribute to the Republican Party of Virginia in various capacities.
  Primarily, Ms. Johnson held officer roles in the Republican Party of 
Bristol and the Republican Party of Salem, two units who helped shape 
local conservative candidates for elected office.
  Virginia's Ninth District Republican Committee benefitted from Ms. 
Johnson's loyalty and service, particularly in her role as the 
Committee's official secretary. This sometimes required her throughout 
the year to drive away from home to assist the Committee with its 
meetings and business.
  A woman of strong faith and appreciation for the Lord, Ms. Johnson 
was an active member of Salem's First United Methodist Church.
  In addition to her husband, family remaining to cherish her memory 
includes her children, Jessica J. Funk (Kevin), and Lauren J. Paige, 
both of Richmond, Va.; grandson, Declan Funk; siblings, Connie Melton 
(Carter), Jennifer Brown (Bill), and Bradley Graham; and many nieces 
and nephews.
  I always appreciated her dedication to the Republican Party and 
helping the various Republican committees where she was living.
  Further, Brenda and her husband helped to start the Salem G.O.P.'s 
annual Olde Salem Days Breakfast which has grown into a major event for 
candidates seeking a Republican nomination in Virginia.
  Ms. Johnson's love for Southwest Virginia and her community was 
strongly evident. Whether it was helping a student with reading or 
passing out campaign literature to voters, Ms. Johnson made a profound 
impression on those around her. She will be missed.

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