[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E436-E437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHNNIE MAE STREATER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2025

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
remarkable life of Johnnie Mae Streater, a woman who graced this world 
for 81 years. While her passing marks the end of an era, her legacy of 
selfless service to others and her unwavering faith will continue to 
live on through the family she leaves behind, her beloved daughter, 
Tamond, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
  Born on October 28, 1942, in Leesburg, Florida, Johnnie Mae was the 
daughter of Annie Lee Davis, a homemaker, and Samuel Streater, a 
steelworker. She grew up with a strong foundation of love, faith, and 
hard work that would guide her throughout her life.
  ``Momma-Streater,'' as she was known by her family, graduated from 
Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1962. Soon 
after, she relocated to Illinois, where she began her dedicated career 
as a Caseworker with the Illinois Department of Public Aid. For 30 
years, she served the community with compassion and integrity, touching 
countless lives before retiring with grace.
  In the 1970's, Johnnie Mae embraced the Lord Jesus Christ into her 
life, a decision that would profoundly shape the rest of her life. She 
Joined Chicago Miracle Temple, formerly known as the Regal Theatre, 
founded by the

[[Page E437]]

esteemed R.W. Schambach on the Southside of Chicago. There, she not 
only became a devout Christian but also an ordained Evangelist, 
embodying the strength and devotion of her faith. Despite never 
obtaining a driver's license, Johnnie Mae remained a steadfast, 
lifelong rider of the Chicago Transit Authority, traveling daily by bus 
for her work and church duties. Her determination and resilience were 
reflected in every aspect of her life.
  Johnnie Mae was revered by all who knew her. In the neighborhood, 
when she walked down the street, there was an unspoken respect. 
Neighbors would remove their hats, hide their beer cans, and straighten 
up their behavior, for they knew that ``Momma Streater'' was a woman of 
integrity, a true representative of God's love. Her presence commanded 
respect, and no one wanted to disappoint her with anything less than 
their best. Johnnie Mae was the rock of her family, the heart of her 
community, and a source of unwavering love and strength. Her absence 
will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mr. 
Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Ms. 
Johnnie Mae Streater.

                          ____________________