[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20532]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF MARY ALICE ETHRIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of, 
Mary Alice Ethridge, 61, the executive director of the Rowlett Chamber 
of Commerce, who passed away recently after a two year battle with 
colon cancer. I extend to all of her friends and family my deepest 
sympathy for their loss.
  According to the Rowlett Lakeshore Times, ``She took a medical leave 
of absence from the chamber earlier this year but did not speak 
publicly about her condition. Ethridge's daughter, Laura Morris, said 
her mother was a constant source of encouragement.
  ```My mother was my best friend and my inspiration in life and 
spirituality,' Morris said. `There was no challenge too big. If someone 
told me no, my mother taught me to find a way to make it yes, but 
always with grace and dignity. She taught me that friendships are one 
of the greatest gifts a person can give another person, and that one 
can never have too many friends.'
  ``Ethridge served as the executive director of the Rowlett chamber 
for more than 20 years, and she helped the chamber grow from a one-room 
office to its current building along Main Street. She helped develop 
the Leadership Rowlett program and the annual casino night fund-raiser.
  ``Chamber board member Staci Mauldin said she will never forget 
Ethridge's unwavering commitment to the community. `I'll most remember 
her for her dedication to the chamber and the business community here,' 
Mauldin said. `It was something that was very near and dear to her 
heart.'
  ``Besides working at the chamber, Ethridge also enjoyed gardening and 
enjoying her home. She and her husband, Robert, were married about 40 
years. Ethridge was also involved with the Alpha-Nu Sorority, Keep 
Rowlett Beautiful, Crimestoppers, and the Rowlett Arts and History 
Foundation.
  ``Above all, Ethridge enjoyed a good laugh.
  ```The one thing that will always be with me will be her contagious 
laugh and beautiful smile,' Morris said. 'We loved to make each other 
roll with laughter. I miss her deeply already.'''
  While representing the wonderful community of Rowlett, I had the 
honor of getting to know Mary Alice. She touched many of us in such a 
positive way that her life will never be forgotten by those of us who 
had the privilege to know her. Mary Alice was an outstanding individual 
and she will be dearly missed. I ask all Members, please join me in 
honoring the distinguished memory of Mary Alice Ethridge.

                          ____________________