CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF REPRESENTATIVE BETTY JO BROWN

On 2026-06-10, Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX-5) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF REPRESENTATIVE BETTY JO BROWN" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF REPRESENTATIVE BETTY JO BROWN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E562] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF REPRESENTATIVE BETTY JO BROWN ______ HON. LANCE GOODEN of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the historic life and accomplishments of Texas State Representative Betty Jo Brown. Representative Brown passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the age of 86. A native of my hometown of Terrell, Representative Brown was Terrell High School Class of 1957 Salutatorian, and a graduate of Southern Methodist University. Representative Brown dedicated much of her life to serving our shared community and the State of Texas. During her six terms in the Texas State House of Representatives, she served on several committees, including Elections, Redistricting, and Agriculture and Livestock, and was a faithful servant of Hunt, Kaufman, and Henderson counties. Outside her career in the state legislature, Representative Brown built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others with her husband of more than 63 years, Ronald George Brown, who preceded her in death in 2022. She was also an active member of Russell Memorial United Methodist Church and Wills Point International Outreach Church, where she participated in the choir, handbell choir, children's ministry, and where she also served as a worship leader. She is survived by her children, Rhonda Cobern, Greg Brown, and Emily Pogue; her grandchildren, Tarryn Cobern Hatcher, Tory Cobern, Simpson, Tabor Cobern, Denton Brown, Sophia Brown, Samantha Pogue, Lincoln Pogue, and Meredith Pogue; and her great-grandchildren, Jewel, Denver, Luke, Grayson, Grace, and Mason. Representative Brown's legacy will not be forgotten. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family, and I appreciate the profound impact of her lifelong commitment to our community. ____________________