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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PASSING OF MS. BESSIE M. SWINDLE
______
HON. AL GREEN
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the life and
legacy of a distinguished member of my Houston staff, a constituent,
and more importantly a dear friend who passed away on Thursday, March
28, 2019 in Houston, Texas.
Ms. Bessie Swindle was born June 5, 1939 in Loreauville, Louisiana,
relocating to Houston, Texas as a young adult where she went on to
become a pillar of the Sunnyside community.
Over the course of more than fifty years, she used her skills as a
community organizer to make a difference in Houston. Prior to serving
as an outreach coordinator in my Houston office, she founded and served
as president of the Cloverland Civic Club, representing 400 homeowners
in the neighborhood, sponsoring fundraisers, aiding needy families, and
raising money for scholarships.
She was involved with several organizations and used her voice to
represent Sunnyside residents as a Parent/Teacher Association member,
Troop Leader for Girl Scouts of America San Jacinto Council, President
of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church ``55 Plus'' Club, Community
Liaison for former Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Michael Butler
and Constable Perry Wooten, member of Mayor Bill White's Phone Tower
Commission, and member of the City of Houston Police Officers Civil
Service Commission. She also served as president of Southeast Coalition
of Civic Clubs and Precinct Judge for Harris County Voting Precinct
271.
During her distinguished lifetime of service, she was the recipient
of numerous awards and recognitions, including Parent of the Year from
James H. Law Elementary in 1975, the Mayor's Award for Outstanding
Volunteer Service in 1996, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Award in
1999, the Sir Knight Dennis Armelin Humanitarian Award in 2004, Mayor
Bill White's proclamation of Bessie M. Swindle Day in 2007, the naming
of the Bessie Swindle Community Center in Sunnyside, Houston, Texas in
2009, as well as the street naming of Bessie Swindle Way in 2010.
It is eminently clear that Ms. Bessie M. Swindle was no ordinary
community servant. She used her influence to constantly stand up for
those who needed her assistance--and she made a difference. Ms. Bessie
Swindle will be greatly missed for her wit, wisdom, and willingness to
work hard. Her contribution will never be forgotten.
I would like to send my condolences to Ms. Swindle's family, friends,
and all those who will miss her dearly. I hope that, even in this sad
time, Ms. Swindle's record of unselfish dedication to her city and
community will serve as a bright light for those who dare to follow in
her footsteps.
Ms. Bessie M. Swindle is survived by one daughter: Jackie Swindle.
She is also survived by four brothers, one sister, and many beloved
nieces and nephews.
____________________