[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27731]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          TRIBUTE TO MRS. JOHN SPARKMAN OF HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 1, 1999

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a long-
standing citizen of my district, Mrs. Ivo Sparkman, widow of U.S. 
Senator John Sparkman. Mrs. Sparkman passed away last week, 2 weeks 
after celebrating her 100th birthday.
  During their 62 year marriage, Senator and Mrs. Sparkman made their 
way from Albertville, Alabama all the way to Washington, D.C. and then 
settled in downtown Huntsville.
  In later years, Mrs. Sparkman discovered a real artistic talent, 
painting, and she produced several colorful paintings for family and 
friends. She also possessed a true love for nature enjoying gardening 
and bird-watching.
  As the wife of a longtime U.S. Senator, Mrs. Sparkman exhibited a 
keen interest in politics and hosted many dignitaries at her home 
through the years. The Sparkman's time in Washington proved very 
beneficial to my district as Huntsville's space program began to thrive 
under their leadership.
  Alabama and the nation displayed their affection for Mrs. Sparkman at 
her October 6th birthday party. Former U.S. Senator Howell Heflin 
attended the party, held on ``Ivo Sparkman Day'' as proclaimed by Mayor 
Loretta Spencer and Governor Don Siegelman. Letters poured in from all 
over including special notes from Lady Bird Johnson and Annie and John 
Glenn.
  I believe this is a fitting tribute for one who has dedicated many 
years to serving the nation and Alabama. I send my condolences to the 
Sparkman family. On behalf of the people of Alabama's 5th Congressional 
District, I join them in celebrating the extraordinary life and 
honoring the memory of a wonderful lady, Mrs. Ivo Sparkman.

                          ____________________