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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN MEMORY OF JEAN ANN FOWARD
_____
HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to the memory of a
dear friend and a remarkable woman from my community in Dayton, Ohio,
Mrs. Jean Ann Foward, who passed away on April 11, 2019. Jean was the
wife of Dr. Derrick L. Foward, president of the Dayton chapter of the
NAACP, the second largest NAACP chapter in the State of Ohio.
Jean was born in Springfield, Ohio on December 2, 1958. She spent
most of her life in Dayton and attended Dayton Public Schools. She was
highly recognized for her Spelling Bee talent at Jackson Elementary
School. Jean graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in 1976 and
pursued a degree in Business Management at Ohio University.
Jean married the love of her life, Derrick L. Foward, on July 11,
1998. Together they raised four wonderful children: Jayme, Letoia, Troy
Jr., and Donte. Jean was a devoted wife and mother known throughout the
community as the ``Wind beneath Derrick's Wings''--as she supported him
throughout his community service career. She was sweet, mild mannered,
and loved dearly by her family and friends. She catered and hosted
several family, community, and political gatherings at their home,
where she welcomed everyone with a smile.
Jean and her husband shared a passion for the cause of justice and
civil rights for all Americans. She was an equal partner and an
inspiration to her husband in the fight for human rights and equality
for all people. She was more than just Derrick's wife, she was a leader
in her own right.
Jean was an exemplary community servant and role model. She took
pride in her neighborhood and was a member of the Northern Hills
Neighborhood Association. Moreover, she participated in the annual
Back-To-School, Stay-In-School school supplies event.
Jean loved volunteering for the City of Dayton Feast of Giving, where
she served food to hundreds of people on Thanksgiving Day. She also
participated in WDAO Radio's annual Feast of Love to feed the homeless
and others during the Christmas holiday season.
Jean served for 13 years as Advisor of the Littlejohn Junior NAACP
Youth Council. Because of her sound financial stewardship, the
Littlejohn Junior NAACP Youth Council had a budget surplus from 2005 to
2018. Due to her commitment to youth development, the Littlejohn Junior
NAACP Youth Council remains the only active NAACP Junior Youth Council
in the State of Ohio.
Jean contributed greatly to the lives of many young people throughout
the Dayton region. She exemplified phenomenal leadership in mentoring,
training, and developing our youth ages 1 through 13. She encouraged
them to be humble leaders and faithful community servants. During her
tenure as Youth Advisor, she had the distinct honor of richly
depositing hope, respect, integrity, discipline, and character into the
lives of over 510 youth who joined the organization under her
leadership.
Because of her outstanding community leadership, Jean was the
recipient of numerous awards that include: the International Apostolic
University of Grace and Truth (IAUGT) Appreciation Award (2002); the
Dayton Unit NAACP President's Award (2011); the Youth Empowerment Award
(2013) the Stellar Attendance Awards (2010 through 2017); the General
Membership Award (2018); and the Christian Women Coalition Senior
Citizen Trailblazer Award (2018).
I am deeply saddened by the loss of a long-time personal friend and
outstanding public servant whose many contributions to the community
she loved will always be remembered. The Dayton region was blessed to
have benefited from the good deeds of this exceptional mother, wife,
mentor, and civil rights champion. Let us remember Jean by following
her example and committing ourselves to spreading love, serving our
communities, and working with our neighbors to achieve equal
opportunity and justice for all Americans.
Madam Speaker, I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Dr.
Derrick Foward upon the loss of his beloved wife Jean Ann Foward, and
their children, family members, and their many friends. I ask that my
colleagues join me in honoring her memory.
____________________
