Jean Sample Sullivan
May 9, 1928 - May 30, 2006
Jean Sample Sullivan, an Alabama Republican pioneer and life-long resident of Selma, Alabama, died Tuesday May 30, 2006, at age 78 after a lengthy and valiant fight with colon cancer.
Affectionately known to friends and most Republicans as "Mama Jean," Mrs. Sullivan was a pioneer who devoted herself to developing a two-party system in Alabama politics. She first became active in politics during the mid-1950s as a volunteer in the presidential campaign of Dwight David Eisenhower. Recognizing the importance of a two-party system, she devoted her life and energies to achieving this goal. It was once stated that the entire Alabama Republican Party could meet inside a "phone booth". No one would question that if that statement was true that "Jean" was the one " talking on the phone."
In 1964 she became extremely active in party politics and helped party officials gain control of the Alabama Congressional delegation for the first time since Reconstruction. From 1968 until 1996 she attended every national convention as a delegate and in 1968 and again in 1972 she served as a member of the party's prestigious Platform Committee. In 1992, she was named to the convention's "site committee" and also served as the delegation's vice -chairman.
In 1972, Jean was elected as Alabama's National Committeewoman - a position she held for twenty (20) consecutive years. During her tenure, she was elected to the party's National Executive Committee - a body of 15 Republicans that provided guidance to all party faithful. She served as a member of the Alabama Republican Patronage Committee - providing considerable influence in the selection of numerous federal judges, U.S. Attorneys and Marshals, and other appointed governmental positions. Through those years she became a confidant of presidents, governors, senators and congressmen. Once affectionately nicknamed by President Richard Nixon as "The Wicked Witch of the South", Mrs. Sullivan routinely voiced her opinions, speaking candidly and offering suggestions to several Republican presidents. Known for her directness, anyone who spoke to her clearly knew of her strong positions.
In 1988, she chaired President George H.W. Bush's "Southern Strategy" helping secure the southern states in his election to the presidency in 1988. Until her death, both former President Bush and President George W. Bush remained dear friends and maintained frequent contacts.
In 1986, it was widely reported that some Republican officials encouraged "cross over" in the Democratic run-off for Governor - securing the nomination for then Attorney General Charlie Graddick. Most news media accounts attributed the influx of Republican voters to the actions of Jean Sullivan. Never one to deny the accusations, she relished the fact that these actions led to the election of the first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Her commitment to the two-party system has now placed the Alabama Republican Party in the forefront witnessed by the election of three (3) state governors, a majority representation in the House of Representatives, two United States Senators and a predominantly Republican state judiciary.
Regardless of their political affiliation, sex, race or life's standing, she was always ready to assist anyone in need. Through her political contacts Jean used her influence to assist many Alabama cities and counties in receiving tens of millions of federal dollars for public works projects. Never once did she request or receive anything in return for her assistance. Mrs. Sullivan sincerely believed it was her "calling" to provide substantial aid to the disadvantaged and economically deprived.
In addition to her party functions, Mrs. Sullivan also served as a board member of the Alabama Kidney Foundation, the UAB Family Practice Residency Program (Selma), the Wallace Community College Board of Trustees, the Selma/Dallas County Humane Society, the West Alabama Rehabilitation Board, the Cahaba Region Mental Health Board as well as many other charitable organizations.
Jean Sullivan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-seven (57) years, Ira O. Sullivan. She is survived by her five (5) children - Arthur Sullivan (Claudia) of Hendersonville, Tennessee; Kent Sullivan (June) of North Augusta, South Carolina; Jim Sullivan (Debbie) of Hoover, Alabama; Connie S. McAfee (Tom) of Valley Grande, Alabama; Teresa S. Collins (Mike) of Selma, Alabama; a sister, Reita S. Davis (Dick) and first cousin Eugene A. "Bunny" Sample, both of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. A much loved and devoted grandmother, she is also survived by her nine (9) grandchildren Maggie Sullivan Bryant, Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Lauren Sullivan Lee, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Taylor Sullivan, Robert Collins and Ashley Sullivan.
Pallbearers included her five (5) grandsons Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Robert Collins and close friend, Brock Wells.
Honorary pallbearers included Dr. D.C. Overstreet, Frank Mitchell, Larry Nichols, members of the Alabama Republican Party, the staff of Park Place and Cahaba Hospice.
The funeral commenced at 2pm Friday, June 2, 2006 at the Church Street United Methodist Church, Selma, Alabama, with Reverend George McGehee Sedberry officiating. A short graveside service will follow at the Pineview Memory Cemetery. The family received guests at the Selma Funeral Home from 6 to 8pm Thursday, June 1, 2006 and at 12:30pm prior to the funeral service on Friday, June 2, 2006 at Church Street United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Church Street United Methodist Church, Cahaba Hospice, Alabama Kidney Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.
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The Selma Times Journal
Thursday, June 1, 2006
May 9, 1928 - May 30, 2006
Jean Sample Sullivan, an Alabama Republican pioneer and life-long resident of Selma, Alabama, died Tuesday May 30, 2006, at age 78 after a lengthy and valiant fight with colon cancer.
Affectionately known to friends and most Republicans as "Mama Jean," Mrs. Sullivan was a pioneer who devoted herself to developing a two-party system in Alabama politics. She first became active in politics during the mid-1950s as a volunteer in the presidential campaign of Dwight David Eisenhower. Recognizing the importance of a two-party system, she devoted her life and energies to achieving this goal. It was once stated that the entire Alabama Republican Party could meet inside a "phone booth". No one would question that if that statement was true that "Jean" was the one " talking on the phone."
In 1964 she became extremely active in party politics and helped party officials gain control of the Alabama Congressional delegation for the first time since Reconstruction. From 1968 until 1996 she attended every national convention as a delegate and in 1968 and again in 1972 she served as a member of the party's prestigious Platform Committee. In 1992, she was named to the convention's "site committee" and also served as the delegation's vice -chairman.
In 1972, Jean was elected as Alabama's National Committeewoman - a position she held for twenty (20) consecutive years. During her tenure, she was elected to the party's National Executive Committee - a body of 15 Republicans that provided guidance to all party faithful. She served as a member of the Alabama Republican Patronage Committee - providing considerable influence in the selection of numerous federal judges, U.S. Attorneys and Marshals, and other appointed governmental positions. Through those years she became a confidant of presidents, governors, senators and congressmen. Once affectionately nicknamed by President Richard Nixon as "The Wicked Witch of the South", Mrs. Sullivan routinely voiced her opinions, speaking candidly and offering suggestions to several Republican presidents. Known for her directness, anyone who spoke to her clearly knew of her strong positions.
In 1988, she chaired President George H.W. Bush's "Southern Strategy" helping secure the southern states in his election to the presidency in 1988. Until her death, both former President Bush and President George W. Bush remained dear friends and maintained frequent contacts.
In 1986, it was widely reported that some Republican officials encouraged "cross over" in the Democratic run-off for Governor - securing the nomination for then Attorney General Charlie Graddick. Most news media accounts attributed the influx of Republican voters to the actions of Jean Sullivan. Never one to deny the accusations, she relished the fact that these actions led to the election of the first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Her commitment to the two-party system has now placed the Alabama Republican Party in the forefront witnessed by the election of three (3) state governors, a majority representation in the House of Representatives, two United States Senators and a predominantly Republican state judiciary.
Regardless of their political affiliation, sex, race or life's standing, she was always ready to assist anyone in need. Through her political contacts Jean used her influence to assist many Alabama cities and counties in receiving tens of millions of federal dollars for public works projects. Never once did she request or receive anything in return for her assistance. Mrs. Sullivan sincerely believed it was her "calling" to provide substantial aid to the disadvantaged and economically deprived.
In addition to her party functions, Mrs. Sullivan also served as a board member of the Alabama Kidney Foundation, the UAB Family Practice Residency Program (Selma), the Wallace Community College Board of Trustees, the Selma/Dallas County Humane Society, the West Alabama Rehabilitation Board, the Cahaba Region Mental Health Board as well as many other charitable organizations.
Jean Sullivan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-seven (57) years, Ira O. Sullivan. She is survived by her five (5) children - Arthur Sullivan (Claudia) of Hendersonville, Tennessee; Kent Sullivan (June) of North Augusta, South Carolina; Jim Sullivan (Debbie) of Hoover, Alabama; Connie S. McAfee (Tom) of Valley Grande, Alabama; Teresa S. Collins (Mike) of Selma, Alabama; a sister, Reita S. Davis (Dick) and first cousin Eugene A. "Bunny" Sample, both of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. A much loved and devoted grandmother, she is also survived by her nine (9) grandchildren Maggie Sullivan Bryant, Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Lauren Sullivan Lee, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Taylor Sullivan, Robert Collins and Ashley Sullivan.
Pallbearers included her five (5) grandsons Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Robert Collins and close friend, Brock Wells.
Honorary pallbearers included Dr. D.C. Overstreet, Frank Mitchell, Larry Nichols, members of the Alabama Republican Party, the staff of Park Place and Cahaba Hospice.
The funeral commenced at 2pm Friday, June 2, 2006 at the Church Street United Methodist Church, Selma, Alabama, with Reverend George McGehee Sedberry officiating. A short graveside service will follow at the Pineview Memory Cemetery. The family received guests at the Selma Funeral Home from 6 to 8pm Thursday, June 1, 2006 and at 12:30pm prior to the funeral service on Friday, June 2, 2006 at Church Street United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Church Street United Methodist Church, Cahaba Hospice, Alabama Kidney Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.
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The Selma Times Journal
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Jean Sample Sullivan
May 9, 1928 - May 30, 2006
Jean Sample Sullivan, an Alabama Republican pioneer and life-long resident of Selma, Alabama, died Tuesday May 30, 2006, at age 78 after a lengthy and valiant fight with colon cancer.
Affectionately known to friends and most Republicans as "Mama Jean," Mrs. Sullivan was a pioneer who devoted herself to developing a two-party system in Alabama politics. She first became active in politics during the mid-1950s as a volunteer in the presidential campaign of Dwight David Eisenhower. Recognizing the importance of a two-party system, she devoted her life and energies to achieving this goal. It was once stated that the entire Alabama Republican Party could meet inside a "phone booth". No one would question that if that statement was true that "Jean" was the one " talking on the phone."
In 1964 she became extremely active in party politics and helped party officials gain control of the Alabama Congressional delegation for the first time since Reconstruction. From 1968 until 1996 she attended every national convention as a delegate and in 1968 and again in 1972 she served as a member of the party's prestigious Platform Committee. In 1992, she was named to the convention's "site committee" and also served as the delegation's vice -chairman.
In 1972, Jean was elected as Alabama's National Committeewoman - a position she held for twenty (20) consecutive years. During her tenure, she was elected to the party's National Executive Committee - a body of 15 Republicans that provided guidance to all party faithful. She served as a member of the Alabama Republican Patronage Committee - providing considerable influence in the selection of numerous federal judges, U.S. Attorneys and Marshals, and other appointed governmental positions. Through those years she became a confidant of presidents, governors, senators and congressmen. Once affectionately nicknamed by President Richard Nixon as "The Wicked Witch of the South", Mrs. Sullivan routinely voiced her opinions, speaking candidly and offering suggestions to several Republican presidents. Known for her directness, anyone who spoke to her clearly knew of her strong positions.
In 1988, she chaired President George H.W. Bush's "Southern Strategy" helping secure the southern states in his election to the presidency in 1988. Until her death, both former President Bush and President George W. Bush remained dear friends and maintained frequent contacts.
In 1986, it was widely reported that some Republican officials encouraged "cross over" in the Democratic run-off for Governor - securing the nomination for then Attorney General Charlie Graddick. Most news media accounts attributed the influx of Republican voters to the actions of Jean Sullivan. Never one to deny the accusations, she relished the fact that these actions led to the election of the first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Her commitment to the two-party system has now placed the Alabama Republican Party in the forefront witnessed by the election of three (3) state governors, a majority representation in the House of Representatives, two United States Senators and a predominantly Republican state judiciary.
Regardless of their political affiliation, sex, race or life's standing, she was always ready to assist anyone in need. Through her political contacts Jean used her influence to assist many Alabama cities and counties in receiving tens of millions of federal dollars for public works projects. Never once did she request or receive anything in return for her assistance. Mrs. Sullivan sincerely believed it was her "calling" to provide substantial aid to the disadvantaged and economically deprived.
In addition to her party functions, Mrs. Sullivan also served as a board member of the Alabama Kidney Foundation, the UAB Family Practice Residency Program (Selma), the Wallace Community College Board of Trustees, the Selma/Dallas County Humane Society, the West Alabama Rehabilitation Board, the Cahaba Region Mental Health Board as well as many other charitable organizations.
Jean Sullivan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-seven (57) years, Ira O. Sullivan. She is survived by her five (5) children - Arthur Sullivan (Claudia) of Hendersonville, Tennessee; Kent Sullivan (June) of North Augusta, South Carolina; Jim Sullivan (Debbie) of Hoover, Alabama; Connie S. McAfee (Tom) of Valley Grande, Alabama; Teresa S. Collins (Mike) of Selma, Alabama; a sister, Reita S. Davis (Dick) and first cousin Eugene A. "Bunny" Sample, both of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. A much loved and devoted grandmother, she is also survived by her nine (9) grandchildren Maggie Sullivan Bryant, Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Lauren Sullivan Lee, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Taylor Sullivan, Robert Collins and Ashley Sullivan.
Pallbearers included her five (5) grandsons Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Robert Collins and close friend, Brock Wells.
Honorary pallbearers included Dr. D.C. Overstreet, Frank Mitchell, Larry Nichols, members of the Alabama Republican Party, the staff of Park Place and Cahaba Hospice.
The funeral commenced at 2pm Friday, June 2, 2006 at the Church Street United Methodist Church, Selma, Alabama, with Reverend George McGehee Sedberry officiating. A short graveside service will follow at the Pineview Memory Cemetery. The family received guests at the Selma Funeral Home from 6 to 8pm Thursday, June 1, 2006 and at 12:30pm prior to the funeral service on Friday, June 2, 2006 at Church Street United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Church Street United Methodist Church, Cahaba Hospice, Alabama Kidney Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The Selma Times Journal
Thursday, June 1, 2006
May 9, 1928 - May 30, 2006
Jean Sample Sullivan, an Alabama Republican pioneer and life-long resident of Selma, Alabama, died Tuesday May 30, 2006, at age 78 after a lengthy and valiant fight with colon cancer.
Affectionately known to friends and most Republicans as "Mama Jean," Mrs. Sullivan was a pioneer who devoted herself to developing a two-party system in Alabama politics. She first became active in politics during the mid-1950s as a volunteer in the presidential campaign of Dwight David Eisenhower. Recognizing the importance of a two-party system, she devoted her life and energies to achieving this goal. It was once stated that the entire Alabama Republican Party could meet inside a "phone booth". No one would question that if that statement was true that "Jean" was the one " talking on the phone."
In 1964 she became extremely active in party politics and helped party officials gain control of the Alabama Congressional delegation for the first time since Reconstruction. From 1968 until 1996 she attended every national convention as a delegate and in 1968 and again in 1972 she served as a member of the party's prestigious Platform Committee. In 1992, she was named to the convention's "site committee" and also served as the delegation's vice -chairman.
In 1972, Jean was elected as Alabama's National Committeewoman - a position she held for twenty (20) consecutive years. During her tenure, she was elected to the party's National Executive Committee - a body of 15 Republicans that provided guidance to all party faithful. She served as a member of the Alabama Republican Patronage Committee - providing considerable influence in the selection of numerous federal judges, U.S. Attorneys and Marshals, and other appointed governmental positions. Through those years she became a confidant of presidents, governors, senators and congressmen. Once affectionately nicknamed by President Richard Nixon as "The Wicked Witch of the South", Mrs. Sullivan routinely voiced her opinions, speaking candidly and offering suggestions to several Republican presidents. Known for her directness, anyone who spoke to her clearly knew of her strong positions.
In 1988, she chaired President George H.W. Bush's "Southern Strategy" helping secure the southern states in his election to the presidency in 1988. Until her death, both former President Bush and President George W. Bush remained dear friends and maintained frequent contacts.
In 1986, it was widely reported that some Republican officials encouraged "cross over" in the Democratic run-off for Governor - securing the nomination for then Attorney General Charlie Graddick. Most news media accounts attributed the influx of Republican voters to the actions of Jean Sullivan. Never one to deny the accusations, she relished the fact that these actions led to the election of the first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Her commitment to the two-party system has now placed the Alabama Republican Party in the forefront witnessed by the election of three (3) state governors, a majority representation in the House of Representatives, two United States Senators and a predominantly Republican state judiciary.
Regardless of their political affiliation, sex, race or life's standing, she was always ready to assist anyone in need. Through her political contacts Jean used her influence to assist many Alabama cities and counties in receiving tens of millions of federal dollars for public works projects. Never once did she request or receive anything in return for her assistance. Mrs. Sullivan sincerely believed it was her "calling" to provide substantial aid to the disadvantaged and economically deprived.
In addition to her party functions, Mrs. Sullivan also served as a board member of the Alabama Kidney Foundation, the UAB Family Practice Residency Program (Selma), the Wallace Community College Board of Trustees, the Selma/Dallas County Humane Society, the West Alabama Rehabilitation Board, the Cahaba Region Mental Health Board as well as many other charitable organizations.
Jean Sullivan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-seven (57) years, Ira O. Sullivan. She is survived by her five (5) children - Arthur Sullivan (Claudia) of Hendersonville, Tennessee; Kent Sullivan (June) of North Augusta, South Carolina; Jim Sullivan (Debbie) of Hoover, Alabama; Connie S. McAfee (Tom) of Valley Grande, Alabama; Teresa S. Collins (Mike) of Selma, Alabama; a sister, Reita S. Davis (Dick) and first cousin Eugene A. "Bunny" Sample, both of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. A much loved and devoted grandmother, she is also survived by her nine (9) grandchildren Maggie Sullivan Bryant, Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Lauren Sullivan Lee, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Taylor Sullivan, Robert Collins and Ashley Sullivan.
Pallbearers included her five (5) grandsons Allen Sullivan, Michael Collins, Patrick Sullivan, Parker Sullivan, Robert Collins and close friend, Brock Wells.
Honorary pallbearers included Dr. D.C. Overstreet, Frank Mitchell, Larry Nichols, members of the Alabama Republican Party, the staff of Park Place and Cahaba Hospice.
The funeral commenced at 2pm Friday, June 2, 2006 at the Church Street United Methodist Church, Selma, Alabama, with Reverend George McGehee Sedberry officiating. A short graveside service will follow at the Pineview Memory Cemetery. The family received guests at the Selma Funeral Home from 6 to 8pm Thursday, June 1, 2006 and at 12:30pm prior to the funeral service on Friday, June 2, 2006 at Church Street United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Church Street United Methodist Church, Cahaba Hospice, Alabama Kidney Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.
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The Selma Times Journal
Thursday, June 1, 2006
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