Larcenia-Bullard-Obituary

Larcenia Bullard

Obituary

MIAMI (AP) - Larcenia Bullard, a Democrat who served for two decades in the Florida House and Senate representing parts of South Florida, has died. She was 65.

Aaron McKinney, an assistant to Bullard's son, state Sen. Dwight Bullard, announced her death in an email to lawmakers and their staffs on Saturday evening. The email did not disclose her cause of death.

In an email, Senate President Don Gaetz said Bullard had "faced many serious challenges to her health in recent months." However, Gaetz said she made an appearance on the Senate floor two weeks ago as her son began his first session as a Senator.

Gaetz, a Republican, said Bullard was well-known among her colleagues for her compassion and good humor. Tough debates "ended with her warmly embracing those with whom she disagreed and assuring them of her love," Gaetz said.

Bullard served in the House from 1992 to 2000 and the Senate from 2002 to 2012. She left the Senate because of t erm limits. Her son then ran for her vacant seat and won.

Chris Smith, the Senate Democratic leader, said in a news release Saturday that Bullard never shied away from controversial issues and standing up for what she believed was right.

"She was not only a mentor to me, but a woman many loved for her outspoken ways and selfless devotion to the people she represented," Smith said.

Bullard garnered headlines statewide - as well as a few laughs - in 2009, when she became confused by a reference to animal husbandry during a committee discussion. Husbandry is actually the breeding and raising of livestock.

"People are taking these animals as their husbands? What's husbandry?" Bullard asked.


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Guest Book

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IT'S HARD TO FORGET SOMEONE WHO GAVE YOU SO MUCH TO REMEMBER.....THANKS FOR ALL ONE'S HARDWORK......MANY MANY BLESSINGS

It has been some months now since the passing of Senator Bullard. I am sitting a my desk today thinking of the many, meetings, lunches and car rides. I know that my fellow LA's share in my thoughts and continue to reflect on those times. Blessings during this Christmas Season to the Bullard family.

In Memory of Rep. Larcenia J. Bullard

Rep. B, words cannot express how thankful I am to you for giving me the opportunity of working with you. For allowing my children and I to be part of your family. I learned so much from you over the years and I was shock when I heard of your passing. I know Edwina, Dwight, Vincent, Mr. B & the rest of the family have a special angel looking out for them. God Bless you, and I will always be greatful to you and the Bullard Family

I had the honor of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Bullard in 2007 while on a cruise vacation. We were assigned to the same table in the main dining room. I will never forget their genuine warmth and friendliness. Talking with Mr. & Mrs. Bullard each night, at dinnertime, was a welcomed vacation highlight. I was saddened to learn of her passing. I believe that she ran a good race, she finished her course and now she can claim the prize. I will never forget her kindness, her smile and the words...

If only I could find the correct words to say, for such a wonderful, strong, sweet, kind, courageous, daughther, sister, mother, and Congress Woman. She will always be in our hearts forever. Although, times will change our feelings will remain the same --For The Honorable Larcenia Bullard. Family, thank you for sharing one of God's most precious gifts, The Honorable Larcenia Bullard. Her journey here on earth was well spent. I know that she is in heaven at peace with her heavenly father.

We will miss the Senator who always SMILED.

May your memories comfort you and ease your grief a little each day.Act 24:15

To: The Bullard Family

I will always remember the fun we had during the Richmond Heights Homeowners' Association meetings, and what good Toastmasters you and Ed were at my wedding reception.

Fond Memories,

Willie Mae Hartley-Phipps