Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-16

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LAWRENCE JAMES JOHNSON

Taxes

Context

On 2026-01-16, Representative Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LAWRENCE JAMES JOHNSON" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LAWRENCE JAMES JOHNSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E48-E49] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LAWRENCE JAMES JOHNSON _____ HON. SYLVIA R. GARCIA of texas in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lawrence James Johnson of Houston, Texas, a devoted man of faith, a loving husband and father, and a tireless servant to his community. Lawrence James Johnson was born on May 24, 1954, in Houston, Texas, to L.J. Johnson and Erma Lee Dixon Johnson. He attended schools in the Houston Independent School District, including 8th Avenue School, Hogg Middle School, Booker T. Washington High School, and Reagan High School. From an early age, Lawrence was shaped by a strong and prominent Christian family. He was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. C.D. Dixon, at Greater Mt. Pillow Missionary Baptist Church, and his faith remained a steady foundation throughout his life. Lawrence's spiritual journey was marked by devotion and growth. Guided by the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, he rededicated his life to Christ and committed himself fully to living with purpose declaring, ``No turning back.'' He became not only a church member, but a faithful disciple, deepening his walk and dedicating himself to service. At The Community of Faith Church, Lawrence was a constant presence and a reliable servant. He supported the church's growth and participated in major milestones over the years. He served wherever he was needed, embodying a spirit of responsibility, humility, and love for others. On March 8, 1998, Lawrence was ordained as a Deacon at The Community of Faith by Bishop James Dixon II. He served with passion and compassion, including through the Overcomers Group and the Prison Ministry, sharing his personal testimony to uplift others and remind them that what we do in service to Christ is what endures. [[Page E49]] Lawrence also exemplified integrity and commitment through his work. He served faithfully for more than a decade at Metro, and later took a leap of faith to build his own landscaping business. The Lawn Groomer-- a reflection of his work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and determination. In his personal life, Lawrence found the love of his life in Vickie Gloria Johnson, whom he married on November 25, 1995, at The Community of Faith Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Lawrence cherished every role he held--especially being ``Daddy,'' then ``Pawpaw,'' and ultimately ``Grand Pawpaw,'' embracing his family with deep joy and pride. Lawrence and Vickie also served others with special dedication-- especially homebound seniors, ensuring they received care, companionship, and support, including in the service of the Lord's Supper. He contributed to compassionate outreach efforts, helping deliver food to seniors through weekly community service initiatives. On January 6, 2026, Lawrence James Johnson entered eternal rest. His life was defined by steadfast faith, devotion to family, and an unselfish commitment to others. He is preceded in death by his parents, L.J. Johnson and Erma Lee Dixon Johnson; his brother, Lloyd ``Poncho'' Johnson; his uncle, Pastor Robert Irving Dixon, Sr.; his aunt, Doris Cole; and his niece, London Lynette Kent. Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife, Vickie Gloria Johnson; his daughters, Katrina Carroll and Brandi Williams-Lee; his siblings, Jan Kent, Doris Allen, and Danny Johnson; his beloved uncle, James Dixon, Sr.; and countless extended family members, friends, neighbors, and members of his church family who were blessed by his unique spirit. Mr. Speaker, the legacy Lawrence leaves behind is one of faith in action--service without recognition, love without condition, and perseverance through life's challenges. May we honor his memory by keeping Christ first, showing unselfish love to one another, and living by the words of his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13: ``I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.'' I extend my deepest condolences to the Johnson family and all who loved Lawrence James Johnson. May his life continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LAWRENCE JAMES JOHNSON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E48-E49] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LAWRENCE JAMES JOHNSON _____ HON. SYLVIA R. GARCIA of texas in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lawrence James Johnson of Houston, Texas, a devoted man of faith, a loving husband and father, and a tireless servant to his community. Lawrence James Johnson was born on May 24, 1954, in Houston, Texas, to L.J. Johnson and Erma Lee Dixon Johnson. He attended schools in the Houston Independent School District, including 8th Avenue School, Hogg Middle School, Booker T. Washington High School, and Reagan High School. From an early age, Lawrence was shaped by a strong and prominent Christian family. He was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. C.D. Dixon, at Greater Mt. Pillow Missionary Baptist Church, and his faith remained a steady foundation throughout his life. Lawrence's spiritual journey was marked by devotion and growth. Guided by the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, he rededicated his life to Christ and committed himself fully to living with purpose declaring, ``No turning back.'' He became not only a church member, but a faithful disciple, deepening his walk and dedicating himself to service. At The Community of Faith Church, Lawrence was a constant presence and a reliable servant. He supported the church's growth and participated in major milestones over the years. He served wherever he was needed, embodying a spirit of responsibility, humility, and love for others. On March 8, 1998, Lawrence was ordained as a Deacon at The Community of Faith by Bishop James Dixon II. He served with passion and compassion, including through the Overcomers Group and the Prison Ministry, sharing his personal testimony to uplift others and remind them that what we do in service to Christ is what endures. [[Page E49]] Lawrence also exemplified integrity and commitment through his work. He served faithfully for more than a decade at Metro, and later took a leap of faith to build his own landscaping business. The Lawn Groomer-- a reflection of his work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and determination. In his personal life, Lawrence found the love of his life in Vickie Gloria Johnson, whom he married on November 25, 1995, at The Community of Faith Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Lawrence cherished every role he held--especially being ``Daddy,'' then ``Pawpaw,'' and ultimately ``Grand Pawpaw,'' embracing his family with deep joy and pride. Lawrence and Vickie also served others with special dedication-- especially homebound seniors, ensuring they received care, companionship, and support, including in the service of the Lord's Supper. He contributed to compassionate outreach efforts, helping deliver food to seniors through weekly community service initiatives. On January 6, 2026, Lawrence James Johnson entered eternal rest. His life was defined by steadfast faith, devotion to family, and an unselfish commitment to others. He is preceded in death by his parents, L.J. Johnson and Erma Lee Dixon Johnson; his brother, Lloyd ``Poncho'' Johnson; his uncle, Pastor Robert Irving Dixon, Sr.; his aunt, Doris Cole; and his niece, London Lynette Kent. Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife, Vickie Gloria Johnson; his daughters, Katrina Carroll and Brandi Williams-Lee; his siblings, Jan Kent, Doris Allen, and Danny Johnson; his beloved uncle, James Dixon, Sr.; and countless extended family members, friends, neighbors, and members of his church family who were blessed by his unique spirit. Mr. Speaker, the legacy Lawrence leaves behind is one of faith in action--service without recognition, love without condition, and perseverance through life's challenges. May we honor his memory by keeping Christ first, showing unselfish love to one another, and living by the words of his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13: ``I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.'' I extend my deepest condolences to the Johnson family and all who loved Lawrence James Johnson. May his life continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. ____________________