February 14, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 29 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E180-E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF JOHNNIE MAE BROOKS-DALE THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2019

  Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of an 
inspiring member of our community and graduate of Texas' first African 
American Women's College, Johnnie Mae Brooks-Dale Thompson.
  This Texas trailblazer was born in Houston on September 17, 1925, and 
graduated high school at the young age of 14. Johnnie Mae then enrolled 
in Mary Allen Jr. College--the first black women's college in the state 
of Texas. During her time at Mary Allen, Johnnie Mae was a strong 
academic student and her skills in mathematics allowed her to become a 
member of the prestigious Kappa Epsilon Honor Society. Outside of the 
classroom, Johnnie Mae was able to foster her love of music--which was 
developed early on in her childhood--by taking advantage of Mary 
Allen's music program and singing in the college choir. While working 
in the school library, Johnnie Mae discovered a deep passion for 
education that propelled her to earn her master's degree from Texas 
Southern University in 1951.
  Johnnie Mae was able to combine her passions of education and music 
as a fifth-grade music teacher in Navasota, Texas--a job that gave her 
ample opportunity to spread her love of music to new generations.
  It comes as no surprise to those who know her best that Johnnie Mae's 
professional career was defined by her commitment to living a service-
oriented life. No matter what she was doing, be it teaching music to 
children, volunteering in her local church, or educating the future 
generations of Texans--Johnnie Mae did it with an infectious attitude 
of positivity and joy. Whether it's through her involvement in the 
church or her rigorous social schedule, Johnnie Mae continues to be a 
prominent figure in her community, even now at the age of 93.
  Johnnie Mae Brooks-Dale Thompson has led a life of selfless service 
and spiritual devotion--always embodying her adage: ``Before you do 
something that is nice or negative, think how you would feel if someone 
did this to you.'' Let us celebrate not only institutions like Mary 
Allen College, but also individuals like Johnnie Mae. I know I join her 
family, friends, and the entire Eighth District of Texas

[[Page E181]]

in honoring all she has accomplished thus far in her extraordinary 
life.

                          ____________________