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[Page S974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING BILLIE SUE HOGGARD
Mr. COTTON. Madam President, our Nation functions thanks to the
extraordinary devotion and patriotism of the American people. Every
city, every county, every State, and every party has a few patriots who
go above and beyond, dedicating their whole lives to making sure that
our system works and that our way of life is preserved so that we can
pass on our Republic as a precious inheritance to our children and our
grandchildren.
Billie Sue Hoggard was just such a patriot. She devoted her life to
her neighbors and fellow citizens in Jonesboro in northeast Arkansas.
Billie Sue went home to be with the Lord on Sunday at age 76.
Billie Sue loved America, she loved Arkansas, she loved the
Republican Party with all of her heart, and she devoted all of her
energy to making them great.
As a young child, sadly, Billie Sue knew the meaning of sacrifice.
Her adoptive father was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge
in World War II. Although they had not met, he kept her baby photo in
his wallet. No doubt, he was proud to know the baby girl he adopted
grew up to carry on his legacy of service to others. I bet he told her
that on Sunday when they were reunited.
Billie Sue worked as a teacher in northeast Arkansas for decades,
helping young people grow up to become better citizens. Her career as
an educator was just one part of her commitment to public service. She
also served as a justice of the peace and the Republican Party
committee chair for Craighead County, where she brought energy and joy
and a little bit of feistiness to every meeting and every local
gathering.
Billie Sue was also a Republican well ahead of the pack, back in the
day when many counties didn't even have committees and some counties
could probably meet in a telephone booth. Her energy and commitment
were instrumental in helping our party win the trust and support of our
candidates in Jonesboro, in Craighead County, in northeast Arkansas,
and all around our State. It is thanks in no small part to her efforts
that Rick Crawford now represents northeast Arkansas in the House of
Representatives, the first Republican to hold that seat since
reconstruction.
I met Billie Sue shortly after my election to the House. She
encouraged me to run for the Senate. She promised to deliver Craighead
County if I did, and I can tell you, she kept that promise and then
some, as she always did.
Of course, Billie Sue was most committed of all to her family. Her
four children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren were
the loves of her life. In a fitting turn of fate, Billie Sue, the
adopted daughter of a servicemember, served herself as guardian to two
of her young granddaughters in her later years. She was in her
seventies when she raised those two young girls. In an act of love, she
stepped up for her family in its hour of need.
Billy Sue's health declined over the last year of her life. We all
know how the battles of illness can rob people we love of their
vitality in their final days. But while cancer could ravage her body,
it could never dampen Billy Sue's spirit. When I called her over this
last year to check on her, I always heard the same energy and passion--
and, yes, feistiness--as she wanted to skip over quickly how she was
doing and talk about the latest legislative battles here in Congress
and political campaigns in Arkansas.
Now Billie Sue has gone back to be with the Lord, but she is not
forgotten. Arkansans will remember her as a local leader and a patriot
who made her community and our State better through decades of tireless
service. May she rest in peace.
I yield the floor.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cruz). Without objection, it is so
ordered.
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