[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF REPRESENTATIVE BETTY JO BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LANCE GOODEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2026

  Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the historic life 
and accomplishments of Texas State Representative Betty Jo Brown. 
Representative Brown passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the age 
of 86. A native of my hometown of Terrell, Representative Brown was 
Terrell High School Class of 1957 Salutatorian, and a graduate of 
Southern Methodist University.
  Representative Brown dedicated much of her life to serving our shared 
community and the State of Texas. During her six terms in the Texas 
State House of Representatives, she served on several committees, 
including Elections, Redistricting, and Agriculture and Livestock, and 
was a faithful servant of Hunt, Kaufman, and Henderson counties.
  Outside her career in the state legislature, Representative Brown 
built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others with her 
husband of more than 63 years, Ronald George Brown, who preceded her in 
death in 2022. She was also an active member of Russell Memorial United 
Methodist Church and Wills Point International Outreach Church, where 
she participated in the choir, handbell choir, children's ministry, and 
where she also served as a worship leader.
  She is survived by her children, Rhonda Cobern, Greg Brown, and Emily 
Pogue; her grandchildren, Tarryn Cobern Hatcher, Tory Cobern, Simpson, 
Tabor Cobern, Denton Brown, Sophia Brown, Samantha Pogue, Lincoln 
Pogue, and Meredith Pogue; and her great-grandchildren, Jewel, Denver, 
Luke, Grayson, Grace, and Mason. Representative Brown's legacy will not 
be forgotten. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family, and I 
appreciate the profound impact of her lifelong commitment to our 
community.

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