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Honoring the Life of Betty Jane France

Topics:  Betty Jane France

Honoring the Life of Betty Jane France

Congressman Richard Hudson
Congressional Record: 114th Congress
Extensions of Remarks
21 September 2016

HON. RICHARD HUDSON of North Carolina in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Betty Jane France, a lifelong philanthropist, who passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire France family as they mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman.

A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Mrs. France dedicated her life to the service of others. As the founder and chairwoman emeritus of the NASCAR Foundation, she helped lead efforts to grow the sport of NASCAR alongside her husband, the late NASCAR Chairman and CEO William C. France. Her positive attitude and uplifting demeanor was a source of inspiration for all of those around her.

Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. France was staunchly committed to bettering the lives of those around her, particularly the children in the community. A strong advocate in the field of children's health care, she launched projects that helped establish ``Speediatrics'' children's care units at two Florida hospitals. Her work in this field also included serving as an honorary co-chairperson for the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, as well as on the boards of several other community service organizations. For her efforts, the NASCAR Foundation created the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award which recognizes the outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR fans across the country.

Compassionate, kind, and loving, Mrs. France's impact resonated throughout the entire sport of NASCAR. Whether it was in her role as Chairwoman, as an advisor to her husband, or as a mother, her impact never went unnoticed. As someone who enabled others to explore the limitless possibilities of their dreams, she truly left the world a better place. While we mourn the loss of Mrs. France, there is no doubt in my mind that her legacy will live on through not only her professional success but also in the countless lives she was able to touch along the way.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the remarkable life of Mrs. Betty Jane France.