[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7723-7724]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO DALLAS COMMUNITY MOTHERS AND THE LEGACY THEY LEAVE BEHIND

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
pay tribute to eight beloved mothers of the Dallas community who passed 
away this year. These women made a lasting impact not only in the lives 
of their own families but in their churches, neighborhoods and 
throughout the Dallas community.
  Mrs. Bessie Nash will be remembered as the full-fledged ``church 
mother.'' She was active in driving the church bus, in charge of the 
primary Sunday school and primary choir. Children were truly her heart. 
She devoted her life to children not only in her actions but in her 
words by offering her wisdom and guidance to make sure they stayed on 
the right path in life.
  Mrs. Lillie Fuller will be remembered as the ``neighborhood mother.'' 
Known for being kind, gentle, and generous, her love extended beyond 
her own children to anyone in need. Her heart and door were always open 
to help others. She especially loved children, and her life reflected 
it well.
  Mrs. Ruby Page will be remembered as the ``feisty mother.'' As the 
unofficial neighborhood crime watch captain, she kept a watchful eye on 
crime. She also looked out for her guests. When anyone visited, her 
culinary skills not only produced food for their body, but the warmth 
and care she prepared it with was food for the soul.
  Mrs. Barbara Hogg will be remembered as the ``mother whose love 
traveled across great distances.'' Despite the many miles between her 
and her children, her love went beyond borders and boundaries to the 
hearts of those that loved her most. Her compassion for her children 
could not be contained. Her love knew no limits.
  Mrs. Ruthie Davis will be remembered as the ``mother that held out 
hope in the midst of impossible odds.'' The love she exhibited 
exemplified the biblical scripture ``love covereth all things.'' 
Whether it was her children or anyone else's, her motherly eyes saw 
beyond the crust of contrary behavior, to the core of humanity.
  Mrs. China Randle will be remembered as the ``gentle-hearted 
mother.'' Although gentle, her resilience allowed her heartstrings to 
be stretched by those she loved the most, yet still return to original 
shape. Her love never failed. Her gentleness was her strength.
  Mrs. Peggy Washington will be remembered as the ``mother who forged a 
path through life

[[Page 7724]]

for her children to follow.'' She led by example in hopes that her 
children would follow. Along the way, she planted seeds of values and 
principles. May the seeds that she planted bring a fruitful harvest.
  Mrs. Florine Anderson will be remembered as the ``mother with 
enduring strength.'' The love she had for her children endured 
throughout her lifetime. Through the stresses and strains of 
motherhood, her strength and love were steadfast and unmovable. Her 
life reflected the quote that true character is shown under pressure. 
Her strength stands as a pillar for all to see.
  On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored 
to pay respect to these honorable women. Individually, they were 
invaluable members of the Dallas area.

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