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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Bennie Thompson. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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September 15, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Helen M. Johnson, a trailblazing public servant, entrepreneur, community leader, devoted matriarch, and woman of faith from Hollandale, Mississippi, who passed away on August 22, 2026.
and Daisy Smith. She was educated at Simmons Elementary School and Simmons High School and later earned her GED. A lifelong learner, she continued her education through Draughons Business College, Delta State University, Mississippi State University Extension Service, and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Helen's life was marked by perseverance. As a young woman, she struggled with a severe stutter that affected her confidence. Through speech therapy, determination, and faith, she overcame that challenge. The young woman who once struggled to speak confidently would later become a respected public official, trainer, mentor, and community leader.
Helen built a distinguished career in municipal government. She became the first Black radio dispatcher for the City of Hollandale, later served approximately fifteen years as Deputy City Clerk, and in 2001 became the first Black City Clerk of Hollandale, Mississippi. She faithfully served as City Clerk until 2021.
City Clerk. Helen continued training and mentoring municipal clerks, established HMJ Consulting Services, LLC, and served as a Municipal Clerk Consultant Officer with HOPE Enterprise. She later continued her service to the citizens of Hollandale as an Alderwoman and Vice Mayor of the City of Hollandale, positions she faithfully held at the time of her passing.
Helen was also a successful entrepreneur. Alongside her husband, John Wesley Johnson, she began a jewelry business that eventually grew into Something Special Fashions, with locations in Hollandale, Leland, Sunflower, and Cleveland. A talented seamstress, she was well known for her creativity, elegance, professionalism, and sense of style.
Helen's commitment to service extended throughout her community. She served in leadership roles with the Hollandale Rotary Club, Mississippi Municipal Clerks Association, Community Foundation of Washington County, South Delta Planning & Development District, Hollandale Economic and Community Development Foundation, and Hollandale Community Volunteers for Progress.
Her faith remained the foundation of her life. Helen joined First Baptist Missionary Baptist Church at the age of twelve and remained a faithful member throughout her lifetime.
Above all, Helen was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, and friend. She believed that family was defined not only by blood, but also by love, sacrifice, guidance, and care.
Mr. Speaker, Helen M. Johnson lived a life of faith, perseverance, service, and purpose. From breaking barriers in municipal government to serving as Vice Mayor and Alderwoman, she devoted her life to strengthening Hollandale and improving the lives of those around her.
Alderwoman Helen M. Johnson and in extending our deepest condolences to her family, friends, church family, colleagues, and the entire Hollandale community.