The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. SHIRLEY BLUITT LEONARD” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E648 on April 30, 2014.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. SHIRLEY BLUITT LEONARD
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HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize beloved wife, mother, grandmother, Mrs. Shirley Bluitt Leonard, who passed away on Sunday, April 13, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Leonard was born in Mexia, TX to John C. Bluitt and Katie Wiley Bluitt Hurd. She graduated from Dunbar High School of Mexia in 1953. In 1956, she received the B.A. degree in Business from Wiley College in Marshall, TX. She earned the Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University (formerly Prairie View A&M College) in 1964. It was at Prairie View A&M University, on the steps of Suarez Hall, that she met her husband of 50 years Joe. E. Leonard, Sr. on February 28, 1964. Joe and Shirley Leonard graduated from the Master's program at PVAMU, marching together in May, 1964. She soon became certified as an educator in the State of Texas in Supervision and as a Reading Specialist, and subsequently took graduate education courses at the University of North Texas and Colorado University in Denver.
Mrs. Leonard's lifelong passion was educating others. During the course of her professional career, she taught in the Cleburne Independent School District, Aldine I.S.D., Austin I.S.D., and served as a Reading Specialist throughout the state of Texas. In the latter role, she supervised and coordinated the Title I Reading Program for the Austin Independent School District and coordinated programs for the Texas Youth Commission, formerly known as the Texas Youth Council. Mrs. Leonard was also a small business entrepreneur who owned and operated a beauty and fashion boutique for several years.
Mrs. Leonard was the mother of Dr. Joe E. Leonard, Jr., whom I also know personally through his work serving as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and previously as the lead staff member for the Congressional Black Caucus. Mrs. Leonard, a vivacious, spirited, and loving presence among her family, friends, and the many students she taught over the years, will be deeply missed. I extend my deepest condolences to the Leonard family during this time of grieving. Our country has benefitted immensely from Mrs. Leonard's career and her memory will continue to inspire others. Through her life she has created positive pathways for many future generations.
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