By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Senior National
Correspondent
Former U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, a trailblazer and dedicated public servant, died at 89. Kirk Johnson, her son, confirmed her death on Sunday, Dec. 31. Johnson had been recently admitted to hospice care and left behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions to the nation.
Kirk Johnson highlighted his mother’s accomplishments as a trailblazer, public servant, and remarkable family member in a statement that the family released to express their sorrow over her passing. The family acknowledged the mourning of an extraordinary woman while celebrating her life and legacy.
“I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away,” Kirk Johnson said.
“She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant.
While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy. She will be deeply missed.”
The younger Johnson said funeral services are pending.
Eddie Bernice Johnson was born to Edward and Lillie Mae Johnson in Waco, Texas. She graduated from A.J. Moore High School and earned her nursing certificate from Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame in 1955. According to the Texas Metro News, Johnson furthered her education at Texas Christian University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She earned a Master of Public Administration from Southern Methodist University in 1976.
Johnson championed STEM, women’s rights, veterans, fair housing, transportation, and the Affordable Care Act throughout her career. She was a founding member of the tri-Caucus (CBC, CHC, and CAPAC) and the Dallas Coalition of Hunger Solutions. Noted Ambassador Ron Kirk highlighted Johnson’s numerous firsts, including being the first African American to serve as Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital.
In her political career, Johnson served in the Texas House and Senate, becoming the first African American woman in Dallas to be elected to office. When she went to Washington, she became the first registered nurse to ever serve in Congress. She was an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Girlfriends Circlets, and Links, Inc.
Johnson was the first African American and first female chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. She was also the first African American to serve as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare regional director, appointed by then-President Jimmy Carter.
Before her retirement, Johnson’s portrait was unveiled and hung in the Science Committee Room. The program for STEM women has also been named in her honor. Upon her retirement at the end of the 117th session, she was the oldest member of the House of Representatives.
The Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the CBC issued a statement mourning the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.
“Among her many accomplishments in the Texas State Legislature as a nurse and member of Congress, Congresswoman Johnson was perhaps best-known to those close to her as a mother, wife, and friend, and she will be greatly missed,” CBC members stated. “She leaves a legacy and a lifetime of public service that will not soon be forgotten.”
They acknowledged her groundbreaking achievements, including being the first Black woman elected to Congress from Dallas and her role as the first African American and first female Chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Johnson’s impact extended beyond legislation; she delivered hundreds of millions of dollars toward revitalizing transportation in Texas, notably for the Southern Gateway Project and the DART Rail System. The DART and Amtrak rail centers in Dallas were renamed the Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station in her honor.
Johnson’s multifaceted career included being a mother, wife, and friend in addition to a public servant, leaving a void that those who knew her will feel deeply. “Her legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for justice, equality, and progress will endure,” CBC members asserted.
On the home front, local officials remembered a stalwart role model to be remembered and emulated.
“I was truly saddened today to wake up to the news that Congresswoman Johnson had passed,” said Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold. “I have many great memories working alongside her in southern Dallas, where she made it clear she was there to get things done. She waited for no one to do what she could get done herself – and better! What a fierce woman she was for Dallas!
“As the only African American woman on the City Council, I valued her advice on the importance of working with the federal government as a partner to address many of the issues the city faced such as transportation, Veterans care, small business funding and other critical areas. Most importantly, she stressed the need to be inclusive of a diverse group to accomplish the goal.
“I am sending prayers and blessings for her family as they prepare her homegoing.”
“I was heartbroken today to learn of the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,” said Dallas Councilmember Adam Bazaldua. “The mark she has left on Dallas, and specifically Council District 7, cannot be matched. She loved her City and no one has fought harder for us. My family and I extend our deepest love and condolences to her family. Her memory is most certainly a blessing.”
“Dallas lost a trailblazer today with the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,” said Dallas Councilmember Paula Blackmon. “She was a true champion for Dallas and, in particular, White Rock Lake. Her advocacy is a testament to her commitment to the environment and the recreational spaces that everyone in the Dallas community could enjoy. When she said, “I got this,” you knew it was good as done.
“I’m grateful to have been able to call Eddie Bernice Johnson my friend; my prayers are with her family and friends.”
