Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and invaluable career of Ms. Deborah Hudson-Williams, who passed away on November 18, 2016. Deborah was born on September 15, 1952 in Oakland California, to Girver and Gertrude Hudson, and grew up in a large working-class family which her father supported through his career as an electrician at General Electric. Her father was also active with the United Auto Workers (UAW), and his work would inspire her own career, when she followed him into working for the UAW. Ms. Williams was incredibly passionate about the rights of workers, and she was very active in the UAW, including many years when she worked at the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., (NUMMI) plant in Fremont, California. She also served as the chairperson for the UAW's Political Action Committee in the Bay Area, which enabled her to support candidates and policies that worked to improve the quality of life for middle-class families like her own. In addition to working to support the men and women of her union, Ms. Williams was politically active in many areas, including working with the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs (NANBPWC), the A. Philip Randolph Organization, the NAACP, and the Oakland East Bay Democratic Club. She is survived by many siblings, including four brothers: Anthony Hudson (Linda) Las Vegas, NV, Girver Hudson Jr. (Linda) California, Michael Hudson (Delores) Oakland, Mark Hudson, Oakland; and seven sisters, Brenda Brooks, Oakland, Francine Wesley (Noel) San Pablo, Cheryl Moore, Oakland, Patricia Henry (Clarence) Oakland, Mada Hudson, Oakland, Beverly Hudson, Pittsburg, Karen Cox (Mobil), Oakland. On a personal note, Debbie was a loyal supporter whose wise counsel I always appreciated and who always came through for me right on time, every time. Most importantly, she was a dear friend who I will deeply miss. On behalf on California's 13th Congressional District, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and the community she cared so much about. Ms. Williams' legacy as a strong advocate for working men and women will be remembered and honored throughout the Bay Area.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bobby Seale on the momentous occasion of his 80th birthday. Mr. Seale has had an incredible career in political activism and community service, dedicating his life to advocating for the rights and betterment of African-Americans across the nation. Born in Texas in 1936, Mr. Seale grew up entrenched in poverty. After moving around in Texas, living in Dallas, San Antonio, and Port Arthur, Mr. Seale's family finally relocated to Oakland, California, when Mr. Seale was eight years old. Mr. Seale attended Berkeley High School, where he started to become politically active. In 1955, Mr. Seale dropped out of high school and joined the United States Air Force. After his military service, Mr. Seale worked as a sheet metal mechanic while earning his high school diploma at night. After earning his high school diploma, Mr. Seale went on to attend Merritt College, where he intended to study engineering. However, during his time at Merritt College, he began to take a deep interest in politics and black history, and joined the Afro-American Association (AAA), a campus group advocating for black separatism. It was through the AAA that Mr. Seale met Mr. Huey P. Newton, a kindred spirit. They quickly became friends and their political activism deepened as they were inspired by the teachings of Malcolm X. During this time, Mr. Seale was also inspired to give back to his community, spending time teaching youths about black history and personal responsibility at the North Oakland Neighborhood Anti-Poverty Center. By October 1966, Mr. Seale and Mr. Newton were ready to organize their beliefs and put them into practice, and they formed the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Originally formed to protect the African-American community in Oakland from police brutality, the Black Panthers rejected the nonviolent approach of the mainstream Civil Rights Movement. The Black Panthers also focused on serving the community, cooking free breakfast for children before school, distributing clothing, and teaching classes on politics and economics. A few years later, in 1970, Mr. Seale was arrested in Chicago during a protest at the Democratic National Convention, and he was ultimately sentenced to four years in prison for contempt of court. After his release from prison in 1973, Mr. Seale renounced violence as a means to an end and decided to run for Mayor of Oakland. He finished second out of nine candidates. In 1974, Mr. Seale resigned as Chairman of the Black Panther Party, having grown tired of politics. He has remained active in the community, writing books and working to improve social services and educational opportunities in black neighborhoods. On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for ``the Chairman's'' brilliance and leadership. He was a mentor, a colleague, but most importantly, a true friend. My late beloved mother, Ms. Mildred Massey, was one of Bobby's strongest supporters and believed in him and the Black Panther Party as the ``vanguard of the movement.'' He taught us the importance of grassroots organizing by knocking on doors, walking precincts, and phone banking to communicate our position on issues and most importantly, how to be a true public servant. Today, California's 13th Congressional District celebrates the extraordinary life and service of Mr. Bobby Seale and wishes him a very happy birthday and a life that continues to be filled with peace and happiness and fulfilled by the great work and leadership he continues to provide.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary career of Judge Gordon Baranco. I would like to congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his invaluable service to our community. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Gordon graduated from Oakland High School in 1965. Gordon would become a star basketball player at the University of California, Davis, where he led the Aggies to win three league championships. Gordon's time spent at UC Davis would coincide with the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. This time in Gordon's life was critical to his academic and civic development, opening his eyes to injustices here in the United States and abroad. In 1969, Gordon graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor's degree in political science. Inspired by the idea that the law could be a vehicle to change society, he went on to enroll in law school. He graduated from the King School of Law at UC Davis in 1972. As an attorney, Gordon practiced as a Graduate Legal Assistant in the office of the California State Attorney General; a Deputy District Attorney in the office of the San Francisco District Attorney; as managing Attorney for the San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation, and Assistant to the City Attorney in Oakland. At the young age of 32 he was made the Honorable Gordon Baranco, appointed to the Oakland Piedmont Emeryville Municipal Court by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. After serving as presiding judge of the court, he was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian as a judge of the Alameda County Superior Court. In 2004, Judge Baranco was instrumental in establishing the Alameda County Homeless and Caring Court, which provides a much needed alternative to the traditional criminal justice court system for the homeless. On a personal note, Judge Baranco worked with me and helped lead our record remedy and expungement conferences for several years. Because of his boldness and commitment, many returning citizens have been able to move forward with their lives without the troubles of their past once their parole is completed. For this, I, along with so many others, am deeply grateful. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, Judge Gordon Baranco, salute you. I thank you for a lifetime of service and congratulate you on your achievements. I wish you and your loved ones the very best as you enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Zion First Church of God in Christ located in Oakland, California upon its 100th anniversary as a strong religious pillar in the East Bay Community. After moving to California from Louisiana, Zion First Church of God in Christ was founded in 1916 by Samuel Harrison and was the first Church of God in Christ in Northern California. It was created with the vision to expand the ministry and establish a legacy of spirituality through faith. Under the leadership of Pastor Harrison, the church thrived and soon needed a building to accommodate its growing membership. In 1921, the church purchased its first building purchase in West Oakland and became a strong faith center for the West Oakland community. During the 1940's, as African Americans migrated to the West for industrial jobs, many families settled in West Oakland. Worship services immediately grew and were so inspirational it was said that people would hang out of their windows to see what was going on in the services. On January 25, 1977 Pastor Willie E. Pearls was ushered in as the second leader of Zion First Church of God in Christ. Pastor Pearls had moved to California. In 1978, Zion First upgraded its building to make room for its growing membership. Pastor Pearls moved to California in 1952 and joined Zion. First, serving for many years as a youth leader, Deacon, and a special helper to Overseer Harrison before accepting the role as senior pastor. Pastor Pearls carried on the original vision of the church, helping the community, by giving away food, clothing the homeless, and serving hot breakfast every Sunday to the community. In 2003, after 33 years of service, Pastor Pearls stepped down and the church elected Pastor Rickie L. Williams. Under his leadership, the church has continued to faithfully serve the West Oakland community through various outreach programs. Although the church was ravaged by fire in September 2013, the congregation bonded together and rebuilt the church on the same property to continue its ministry in the West Oakland community. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Zion First Church of God in Christ on the celebration of its 100th year of worship. I wish Zion First Church of God in Christ many more years of authentic and compassionate service.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of an outstanding member of the East Bay community, the Honorable William Byron Rumford. He was born in Courtland, Arizona in 1915. As a child, he shined shoes, sold newspapers, and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Phoenix in 1926. After finishing his studies at Sacramento Junior College in 1931, he earned his pharmacy degree at the University of California, San Francisco. After he graduated, he took a number of exams for employment and was discriminated against at every turn. He fought his way through by appealing his oral examination, ultimately becoming a member of the California Board of Pharmacy. Mr. Rumford worked in the Bay Area as an assistant pharmacist and as a venereal disease investigator for the state. In 1942, he co-invested in a pharmacy on Sacramento Street in Berkeley, which he later purchased and renamed Rumford's Pharmacy (now known as the Rumford Clinic). Later, he served as the director of the Oakland chapter of the Red Cross, president of the East Bay Health Association, and was on the region's Democratic Central Committee. Mr. Rumford went on to lead an impactful and significant political career, and ultimately became the first African American legislator from Northern California. Inspired by the disparities he witnessed in his pharmaceutical career, he joined the Berkeley Emergency Housing Committee in 1942 and the Berkeley Rent Board in 1944. In addition, he worked with the unofficial Berkeley Interracial Committee which was intended to ease tensions between the Black community of Berkeley and White Southerners who were moving in. He was also a member of the Appomattox Club, which was one of the first African American political organizations in the country; there was little hope for an African American candidate at that time, so the organization supported White candidates who they believed were right on political issues affecting the African American community. Mr. Rumford did not seek to become a professional politician; instead, he was a neighborhood pharmacist who was passionate about addressing the biggest issues impacting his community. Eventually, Mr. Rumford ran for election in the California Assembly and won in 1949. At first he represented mostly African American areas of Oakland and a portion of South Berkeley. In 1960, however, the district was enlarged to include all of Berkeley and parts of Albany. As an Assembly Member, Mr. Rumford produced several effective pieces of legislation. In 1949, he worked tirelessly to pass the Bill to end discrimination in the National Guard. He also introduced legislation early in his Assembly tenure pertaining to fair trade, small businesses, child polio immunizations, atomic energy conversion, and environmental pollution. Today, Mr. Rumford is best remembered for three pieces of legislation: the California Fair Employment Practices Act of 1959, which lessened the impact of race on hiring decisions; the Good Samaritan Act of 1959, which garnered national attention as the first law in the country to protect professionals in emergency situations; and the law that bore his name: the Rumford Fair Housing Act of 1963, which failed to survive a referendum challenge, but was upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States. This act served as California's main enforcement authority against race-based housing discrimination, by way of housing covenants, until the passage of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1968. His tremendous legacy paved the way for civil rights legislation nationally, and has been beautifully honored by the William Byron Rumford Memorial Project. This project is led by a diverse group of community members who see the rapid changing of South Berkeley's demographics as a ripe time to honor his leadership, activism, and community, while preserving the neighborhood's history. On a personal note, William was a trailblazer. Had it not been for him, I never would have been elected to the CA legislature. I owe him a debt of gratitude and I will be forever grateful. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the legacy of the Honorable William Byron Rumford. His contributions have truly impacted countless lives through the East Bay area and the country. I join all of Mr. Rumford's loved ones and the community members involved in the William Byron Rumford Memorial Project in celebrating his incredible life and legacy.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 20th anniversary of ICA Fund Good Jobs. Today November 17th, 2016, ICA Fund Good Jobs celebrates its many achievements in supporting small businesses and creating good jobs throughout the Bay Area. ICA Fund Good Jobs was founded in 1996 as Oakland Advisors (later Inner City Advisors). Its mission is to create jobs for people with high barriers to employment, by helping entrepreneurs with consulting, education, and investment services. ICA focuses on high-growth small businesses in order to create accessible jobs that provide living wages, health benefits, and opportunities for advancement. In 2013 ICA founded a partner organization called ``Fund Good Jobs'', which provides small businesses with capital investments and helps reduce the burden of relying on commercial lending for start-up businesses. In 2015 ICA and Fund Good Jobs combined their operations to become a comprehensive support structure for local businesses in the East Bay. In its 20-year history, ICA Fund Good Jobs has worked with more than 500 companies to create more than 5,000 jobs and generate over $65 million in local employee wealth. ICA Fund Good Jobs is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, and has used its expertise and capital to support successful startups including Revolution Foods, Blue Bottle Coffee, and newer successes such as Firebrand Artisan Breads and Back to the Roots. These companies and others supported by ICA Fund Good Jobs have spurred economic growth throughout the East Bay, and are examples of the fulfillment of ICA Fund Good Job's mission. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate ICA Fund Good Jobs on 20 years of exemplary service as it continues to solve long-standing problems in new ways, and move the needle on some of the Bay Area's most challenging indicators of socioeconomic inequality. I wish ICA Fund Good Jobs well as it continues to work toward ensuring that every worker has access to a good job.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and invaluable service of Ms. Patricia Jones, who passed away August 5, 2016. Patricia Marie Jones was born on September 3, 1944 in Vallejo, California to Booker T. and Mildred Jones. At a young age the family relocated back to its homeland of Heidelberg, Mississippi where Patricia graduated from Southside High School at the top of her class. After her high school graduation Patricia moved back to the Bay Area and enrolled at Vallejo Junior college. Patricia earned her Associates Degree. Understanding the power of education, Patricia transferred to San Francisco State University where she would earn her Bachelor's Degree two years later in Journalism. She then enrolled at University of California, Berkeley and in 1973 earned her Master's Degree in City Planning. Patricia had a distinguished career in public service that included local, state and federal service. She served in the city of Richmond as the city planner, the assistant to the City Manager for External Affairs and Assistant Director of Housing Development. She also served as a Board member of the East Bay Community Foundation. Most recently Patricia served as Assistant Executive Director of the Association of Bay Area Governments, a regional planning agency representing nine cities in the Bay Area. Patricia was committed to excellence known for her work ethic, integrity, creativity and fierce determination. She excelled at everything she did. Patricia was also a world traveler and over the years had visited Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and Cuba. She lived a full life and inspired all those around her to do the same. But no matter her accomplishments, Patricia always put family first; she always made time for them no matter the time of day or size of the problem. She leaves to honor her memory, brothers Terry and Kenneth Jones, along with her many nieces and nephews. Today, California's 13th Congressional District remembers the extraordinary life of Ms. Patricia Jones. Her contributions have truly impacted countless lives throughout the Bay Area. I join her loved ones in celebrating her incredible life and offer my most sincere condolences.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of the Pacific School of Religion. Founded in 1866, the Pacific School of Religion (formerly known as the Pacific Theological Seminary) was established to serve as ``an institution of the people'' and ``a child of the churches'' by preparing spiritually-rooted leaders through rigorous scholarship, practical training, and immersive footwork. Firmly cemented in the history of social justice in the United States, the school served as a building block for ongoing service including pastoral ministry, non- profit and civic leadership, and public policy. In 1901, the school moved to its first Berkeley location near the University of California, Berkeley campus. By 1916, because of the school's new nondenominational status and the faculty's growing interest in the importance of the world's religions to the Christian faith, the name was changed to its current name: Pacific School of Religion. During World War II, former President Arthur C. McGiffert and his colleague John C. Bennett voiced concerns of community members against Japanese internment camps, including the imprisonment of several seminarians. After the war, President McGiffert went on to remedy war- torn communities in both Europe and Asia through the establishment of the Post-War Rehabilitation School at PSR which trained students to minister to these communities. Similarly, the school provided necessary leadership for other intuitions with similar goals to promote education and dialog in underrepresented communities. The school later formed the Graduate Theological Union, a daring experiment in ecumenical cooperation between Protestant and Catholic institutions. This development aimed to bridge Protestant and Catholic Studies and bring forth new fields of study in religion, such as LGBTQ and Gender Studies. Over the years, the Pacific School of Religion has gathered some of our nation's leading voices of social change and theological writers, including Georgia Harkness who later became the first tenured woman professor at the school in the 1950s. Today, graduates are well recognized in their respective fields and are a leading force in promoting social justice and compassion based-practices around the world. Their leadership and commitment to theology and religious studies have been critical starting points to cultivating positive change throughout our nation. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the Pacific School of Religion on this important milestone. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to its success over the years. I wish the faculty, students, and administration continued success in the years to come.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mrs. Ethel Mae Molo, who was affectionately known by family and friends as GG. Mrs. Molo was born on October 27, 1914 in Homer, Louisiana. After graduating from McDonogh Thirty Five High School she attended and graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. After moving to California Ethel married Mr. Raymond Molo, she also had three beautiful children. Once in California she was given the opportunity to hold a position on the Kaiser shipyard as a Rosie the Riveter, helping to support the war efforts for World War II. She later continued her service at the Naval Air station working on aircrafts. After many years as a dispatcher, she retired from the Air Station. Following her retirement Ethel was very active throughout her community. She worked with political leaders Ronald Dellums, Willie Brown, and Don Peralta on projects in the Bay Area. On a national level she was an active member of the NAACP, for fifteen years she helped fundraise money for Fannie Lou Hamer and the voting rights act in Mississippi. As a strong woman of faith Mrs. Molo worshiped at the Presbyterian Women of Faith East Oakland Fellowship Circle and was the secretary of her church. All in all, Ethel was a woman of many colors. Her interests were diverse as were the many people she touched with her hard work and dedication to her community and those that were less fortunate than her. Traveling, sewing, reading and cooking big meals for her friends and family were among her many hobbies. She spent her golden years reading, comfortably eating her favorite cookies, spending time with her family and watching her game shows. She leaves to celebrate her life, her three loving children, Dovelyn Burbridge-Winbush, Gene Hennen, and Alfreda Gibson-Hampton. She also leaves six generations of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren along with her nieces and nephew. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the legacy of Mrs. Ethel Mae Molo. Her contributions have truly impacted countless lives throughout the Bay Area. I join her loved ones in celebrating her incredible life and offer my most sincere condolences.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleague, Congressman DeSaulnier to honor the extraordinary career and invaluable service to our community from Mr. Michael Davenport. A native of Richmond, California, Michael attended Richmond public schools and graduated from Harry Ells High School, going on to study at Contra Costa College. Michael began his career at Ford Motor Company in Richmond, where he worked as a train car unloader and later as an electric forklift mechanic. He also tried his hand in numerous trades, but ultimately found his passion when he began working in the security industry. In 1996, Michael co-founded DP Security. The company initially operated out of his van, but he was able to grow and establish the company as a reputable business in the community. The company would eventually sign contracts with Richmond Sanitation, Chevron Richmond Refinery, Ford Assembly Building, and many others. Since its inception, DP Security has employed 180 individuals, the majority of which have been residents of Richmond. Furthermore, Michael has been a civic leader, and has dedicated his life to influencing Richmond's youth by his active involvement in Richmond Little League's baseball organization, Salesian Boy's and Girl's Club, and the Richmond Black Firefighters Youth Academy. He has also been a longtime participant in the Smart Cookie Factory, donating supplies and bicycles to elementary school students. He has also been a member of the Richmond Police Activities League board, a member of Richmond Main Street, an executive board member of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Kiwanis Club, and the president of the Black Men and Women political organization. On behalf of the residents of California's 11th and 13th Congressional Districts, I would like to congratulate Michael Davenport on a well-deserved retirement.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career and the service of Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr., as he celebrates with friends, family, and his congregation 25 dedicated years of faithful service and ministry. Dr. Hames was born to Charley Hames, Sr. and Leona Elizabeth Steadman-Hames on January 10, 1974, on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. After completing high school, Dr. Hames went on to graduate from Chicago State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies. He would then go on to study at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois and in 2000 he earned his Masters of Divinity. In 2004, Rev. Hames earned and received his Doctor of Ministry degree in Evangelism from the Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas. In 2003, Dr. Hames had obediently fulfilled his calling to serve as Senior Pastor of Beebe Memorial Cathedral (BMC) in Oakland. Dr. Hames has received many accolades including being named ``Pastor of the Year'' by the CME 9th Episcopal District. A passionate fighter for the men of color in our communities, Dr. Hames was amongst a group of pastors and community leaders selected to meet at the White House in 2012 to discuss the killing of Trayvon Martin with President Barack Obama. He has also been a commentator on CNN to speak about the relationships between police and communities of color. He volunteers as chaplain of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc., president of the National Action Network's Oakland chapter, Chairman of the Board of the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce and is a proud Life member of the Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, making him a true champion of our community. Dr. Hames is married to Lady Michelle J. Gaskill-Hames who serves as a Senior Vice President with Kaiser Permanente. He is also the proud father of two sons, Charles Jonathon Hames, Elijah Immanuel Hames and daughter, Jael Deon Hames. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors the outstanding Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr. His dedication and commitment to our local faith community has impacted many lives throughout the district and the nation. I wish Dr. Hames many more years of faithful and compassionate service.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life outstanding service of Mr. Henry F. Mozell who passed away on Monday August 8, 2016. Mr. Mozell was born in Dover, North Carolina on Christmas Day, 1936. Immediately after moving to the Bay Area in 1955 Mr. Mozell started his legend of service by serving in the United States Military. During his time of service in the Navy, he also took it upon himself to enroll at Laney College in Oakland and grew to love and appreciate his community. After completing his studies at Laney College, Mr. Mozell decided to study Urban Studies at the University of California. It was known that the time he spent at the University of California had a profound influence on his dedication to giving to communities in need.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and invaluable service of Ms. Patricia Jones, who passed away August 5, 2016. Patricia Marie Jones was born on September 3, 1944 in Vallejo, California to Booker T. and Mildred Jones. At a young age the family relocated back to its homeland of Heidelberg, Mississippi where Patricia graduated from Southside High School at the top of her class. After her high school graduation, Patricia moved back to the Bay Area and enrolled at Vallejo Junior college. Patricia earned her Associates Degree. Understanding the power of education, Patricia transferred to San Francisco State University where she would earn her Bachelor's Degree two years later in Journalism. She then enrolled into University of California, Berkeley and in 1973 earned her Master's Degree in City Planning. Patricia had a distinguished career in public service that included local, state and federal service. She served in the city of Richmond as the city planner, the assistant to the City Manager for External Affairs and Assistant Director of Housing Development. She also served as a Board member of the East Bay Community Foundation. Most recently Patricia served as Assistant Executive Director of the Association of Bay Area Governments, a regional planning agency representing nine counties in the Bay Area. Patricia was committed to excellence known for her work ethic, integrity, creativity and fierce determination. She excelled at everything she did. Patricia was also a world traveler and over the years had visited Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and Cuba. She lived a full life and inspired all those around her to do the same. But no matter her accomplishments, Patricia always put family first; she always made time for them no matter the time of day or size of the problem. She leaves to honor her memory, brothers Terry and Kenneth Jones, along with her many nieces and nephews. Today, California's 13th Congressional District remembers the extraordinary life of Ms. Patricia Jones. Her contributions have truly impacted countless lives throughout the Bay Area. I join her loved ones in celebrating her incredible life and offer my most sincere condolences.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Rear Admiral Robert L. Toney, USN, (Retired). With his passing on November 4, 2016, we honor his faithful service to our nation. Rear Admiral Robert L. Toney had a distinguished naval career that spanned 34 years. He was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy in 1957. Over the course of his career he has held several commands including Naval Base San Francisco, Logistics Group One, Maritime Defense Command and Director of Logistics and Security Assistance of U.S. Pacific Command. He received numerous honors and decorations including the Defense Meritorious Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Medal with Oakleaf Cluster, and the Vietnam Service Medal. His commitment to education and self-improvement was showcased through his commitment to personal study. Early in his life he earned a B.A. in Social Sciences from Chico State University. He was also a Graduate of the National and International Security Course from Harvard University and received Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Humane Letters from Golden Gate University, and National University. Admiral Toney retired from the Navy in 1994 after 34 years of distinguished service. In his retirement he continued to show his commitment to this country by devoting the remainder of his life to community service. From 1991 to 1996, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Admiral. Toney also served as the Executive Vice President of Business Development of F.E. Jordan and Associates, Interim President of The Bay Area Urban League, Chairman of the Board of Alternative, Inc., Director of Bank of the West, Director of Levine-Fricke-Recon Advisory Board, Director of Junior Achievement of the San Francisco Bay Area, and as a member of Chico State University's President Advisory Board. Throughout his military and civilian business careers, Admiral Toney was one of those rare individuals whose ethic of hard work and devotion to duty made a difference. He was a role model to all who served with him. Rear Admiral Robert L. Toney, USN, (Retired) will be remembered as one of our finest naval officers, a role model, devoted husband to his wife, Flore, who predeceased him, and to his family. On a personal note, Admiral Toney and I had a chance to get to know each other when I was in the California legislature in the 1990's. He became a consistent supporter of my political efforts and always encouraged me to fight the good fight. I respected Admiral Toney's wise counsel and was proud to call him my friend. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the legacy of Rear Admiral Robert L. Toney, USN, (Retired). His contributions have truly impacted countless lives throughout the Bay Area and our Country. I join all of Rear Admiral Robert L. Toney's loved ones in celebrating his incredible life and offer them my most sincere condolences.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career and the service of Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr., as he celebrates with friends, family, and his congregation 25 dedicated years of faithful service and ministry.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Grand Lake Gardens, a retirement community in the heart of Oakland, California, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Since 1966, Grand Lake Gardens has been providing seniors with a comfortable, safe, and convenient home near the beautiful Lake Merritt. Grand Lake Gardens' proximity to a thriving, vibrant commercial district with restaurants, parks, galleries, and more have allowed its residents to live fulfilling and active lives. Residents at Grand Lake Gardens take an active role in shaping their own programs, activities, and clubs to fit their interests, and residents have created their own fitness classes, current news seminars, and an organic garden. Grand Lake Gardens took shape as many Oakland-area Baptist churches searched for a way to address the need for housing and care of the elderly during the late 1950's and the early 1960's. In 1963, the Northern California Baptist Convention appointed a Commission on Retirement Housing to come up with solutions to the need for housing for the elderly in the Bay Area. Their solution was to build Grand Lake Gardens. A location was chosen, the money was raised, and on July 2nd, 1965, construction began on a seven-story building with 103 apartments and parking. Construction was completed by November 7th, 1966, and by Christmas of that year, there were 25 residents living at Grand Lake Gardens--enough for its first Christmas party. When Mr. Mark Knudsen became the first full-time administrator, in 1981, Grand Lake Gardens began to truly flourish and blossom. Under Mr. Knudsen's leadership, the Grand Assembly and an activity room were added, a third-floor garden was created, and more staff was hired to provide residents with more activities, turning Grand Lake Gardens into the thriving and stimulating place it is today. Following a fire in 1994, the kitchen and dining room were remodeled, and an additional vegetable and flower garden for residents was added. Latex, Grand Lake Gardens added a wellness clinic and a van to provide transportation for residents, further improving the health and experience of seniors living there. On a personal note, my late beloved mother, Ms. Mildred Massey, spent the last five of her golden years at Grand Lake Gardens. She always told me what a warm and welcoming home Grand Lake Gardens was, and how loved and accepted she felt there. Today, on behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Grand Lake Gardens on 50 years of providing its residents with a comfortable, safe, and convenient home. I wish Grand Lake Gardens well as it continues to help seniors live thriving, vibrant, and active lives.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career and legacy of Dr. Robert ``Bobby'' Adams. A career counselor and administrator, Dr. Adams has made a lasting contribution to the education of generations of college students in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Dr. Adams attended Los Angeles City College and Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas before receiving his bachelor's Degree in psychology from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Education from the University of Southern California, and a Doctorate in Education Management from Pepperdine University. After the completion of his education, Dr. Adams worked as a counselor and administrator at Santa Monica College (SMC) for 33 years. He began his professional career at SMC in 1974, serving as a counselor in outreach and the Extended Opportunities Program and Service (EOPS). He also served as Counseling Department Chair from 1981 to 1986, was Dean of Student Life from 1986 to 1996, and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs from 1996 to 1998. Prior to his retirement from SMC in 2007, Dr. Adams served for several years as the Vice President of Student Affairs. After he left Santa Monica College in 2007, Dr. Adams was hired as the President of Merritt College in Oakland where he served until his retirement in 2012. While at Merritt College, Dr. Adams established the Maximum Achievement Project (MAP), which was visited and recognized by United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Through the MAP program, Merritt increased its retention and graduation rates for students, with a focus on African American males. MAP students raised their GPA from 1.5 to 3.1 in less than two years. During his tenure at Merritt, Dr. Adams was also instrumental in building a new $50 million dollar facility focused on STEM education that I was honored to have named the Barbara Lee Science and Allied Health Center. On a personal note, Bobby is the epitome of a citizen of the world, who ``thinks globally, and acts locally''. I had the privilege to travel to Africa with him, and was impressed by his commitment to the education of all students when I saw that soon after we returned he established a partnership to bring African students to study at the Peralta colleges. For that I am truly grateful. The Santa Monica College Foundation has now established the Dr. Bobby Adams Leadership Award to honor Bobby's lifetime of mentorship and leadership in the education field. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I join the family and friends of Dr. Adams as we celebrate his career and contributions to the education of countless young people.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bobby Seale on the momentous occasion of his 80th birthday. Mr. Seale has had an incredible career in political activism and community service, dedicating his life to advocating for the rights and betterment of African-Americans across the nation. Born in Texas in 1936, Mr. Seale grew up entrenched in poverty. After moving around in Texas, living in Dallas, San Antonio, and Port Arthur, Mr. Seale's family finally relocated to Oakland, California, when Mr. Seale was eight years old. Mr. Seale attended Berkeley High School, where he started to become politically active. In 1955, Mr. Seale dropped out of high school and joined the United States Air Force. After his military service, Mr. Seale worked as a sheet metal mechanic while earning his high school diploma at night. After earning his high school diploma, Mr. Seale went on to attend Merritt College, where he intended to study engineering. However, during his time at Merritt College, he began to take a deep interest in politics and black history, and joined the Afro-American Association (AAA), a campus group advocating for black separatism. It was through the AAA that Mr. Seale met Mr. Huey P. Newton, a kindred spirit. They quickly became friends and their political activism deepened as they were inspired by the teachings of Malcolm X. During this time, Mr. Seale was also inspired to give back to his community, spending time teaching youths about black history and personal responsibility at the North Oakland Neighborhood Anti-Poverty Center. By October 1966, Mr. Seale and Mr. Newton were ready to organize their beliefs and put them into practice, and they formed the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Originally formed to protect the African-American community in Oakland from police brutality, the Black Panthers rejected the nonviolent approach of the mainstream Civil Rights Movement. The Black Panthers also focused on serving the community, cooking free breakfast for children before school, distributing clothing, and teaching classes on politics and economics. A few years later, in 1970, Mr. Seale was arrested in Chicago during a protest at the Democratic National Convention, and he was ultimately sentenced to four years in prison for contempt of court. After his release from prison in 1973, Mr. Seale renounced violence as a means to an end and decided to run for Mayor of Oakland. He finished second out of nine candidates. In 1974, Mr. Seale resigned as Chairman of the Black Panther Party, having grown tired of politics. He has remained active in the community, writing books and working to improve social services and educational opportunities in black neighborhoods. On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for ``the Chairman's'' brilliance and leadership. He was a mentor, a colleague, but most importantly, a true friend. My late beloved mother, Ms. Mildred Massey, was one of Bobby's strongest supporters and believed in him and the Black Panther Party as the ``vanguard of the movement.'' He taught us the importance of grassroots organizing by knocking on doors, walking precincts, and phone banking to communicate our position on issues and most importantly, how to be a true public servant. Today, California's 13th Congressional District celebrates the extraordinary life and service of Mr. Bobby Seale and wishes him a very happy birthday and a life that continues to be filled with peace and happiness and fulfilled by the great work and leadership he continues to provide.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of an outstanding member of the East Bay community the Honorable William Byron Rumford. He was born in Courtland, Arizona in 1915. As a child, he shined shoes, sold newspapers, and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Phoenix in 1926. After finishing his studies at Sacramento Junior College in 1931, he earned his pharmacy degree at the University of California, San Francisco. After he graduated, he took a number of exams for employment and was discriminated against at every turn. He fought his way through by appealing his oral examination, ultimately becoming a member of the California Board of Pharmacy. Mr. Rumford worked in the Bay Area as an assistant pharmacist and as a venereal disease investigator for the state. In 1942, he co-invested in a pharmacy on Sacramento Street in Berkeley, which he later purchased and renamed Rumford's Pharmacy (now known as the Rumford Clinic). Later, he served as the director of the Oakland chapter of the Red Cross, president of the East Bay Health Association, and was on the region's Democratic Central Committee. Mr. Rumford went on to lead an impactful and significant political career, and ultimately became the first African American legislator from Northern California. Inspired by the disparities he witnessed in his pharmaceutical career, he joined the Berkeley Emergency Housing Committee in 1942 and the Berkeley Rent Board in 1944. In addition, he worked with the unofficial Berkeley Interracial Committee which was intended to ease tensions between the Black community of Berkeley and White Southerners who were moving in. He was also a member of the Appomattox Club, which was one of the first African American political organizations in the country; there was little hope for an African American candidate at that time, so the organization supported White candidates who they believed were right on political issues affecting the African American community. Mr. Rumford did not seek to become a professional politician; instead, he was a neighborhood pharmacist who was passionate about addressing the biggest issues impacting his community. Eventually, Mr. Rumford ran for election in the California Assembly and won in 1949. At first he represented mostly African American areas of Oakland and a portion of South Berkeley. In 1960, however, the district was enlarged to include more of Berkeley and Albany. As an Assemblymember, Mr. Rumford produced several effective pieces of legislation. In 1949, he worked tirelessly to pass The Bill to End Discrimination in the National Guard, which lessened racial discrimination in the National Guard. He also introduced legislation early in his Assembly tenure pertaining to fair trade, small businesses, child polio immunizations, atomic energy conversion, and environmental pollution. Today, Mr. Rumford is best remembered for three pieces of legislation: the California Fair Employment Practices Act of 1959, which lessoned the impact of race on hiring decisions; the Good Samaritan Act of 1959, which garnered national attention as the first law in the country to protect professionals in emergency situations; and the law that bore his name: the Rumford Fair Housing Act of 1963, which failed to survive a referendum challenge, but was upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States. This act served as California's main enforcement authority against race-based housing discrimination, by way of housing covenants, until the passage of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1968. His tremendous legacy paved the way for civil rights legislation nationally, and has been beautifully honored by the William Byron Rumford Memorial Project. This project is led by a diverse group of community members who see the rapid changing of South Berkeley's demographics as a ripe time to honor his leadership, activism, and community, while preserving the neighborhood's history. On a personal note, William was a trailblazer. Had it not been for him, I never would have been elected to the CA legislature. I owe him a debt of gratitude and I will be forever grateful. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the legacy of the Honorable William Byron Rumford. His contributions have truly impacted countless lives through the East Bay area and the country. I join all of Mr. Rumford's loved ones and the community members involved in the William Byron Rumford Memorial Project in celebrating his incredible life and legacy.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Zion First Church of God in Christ located in Oakland, California upon its 100th anniversary as a strong religious pillar in the East Bay Community. After moving to California from Louisiana, Zion First Church of God in Christ was founded in 1916 by Samuel Harrison and was the first Church of God in Christ in Northern California. It was created with the vision to expand the ministry and establish a legacy of spirituality through faith. Under the leadership of Pastor Harrison, the church thrived and soon needed a building to accommodate its growing membership. In 1921, the church purchased its first building in West Oakland and became a strong faith center for the West Oakland community. During the 1940's, as African Americans migrated to the West for industrial jobs, many families settled in West Oakland. Worship services immediately grew and were so inspirational it was said that people would hang out of their windows to see what was going on in the services. On January 25, 1977 Pastor Willie E. Pearls was ushered in as the second leader of Zion First Church of God in Christ. Pastor Pearls had moved to California. In 1978, Zion First upgraded its building to make room for its growing membership. Pastor Pearls moved to California in 1952 and joined Zion First, serving for many years as a youth leader, Deacon, and a special helper to Overseer Harrison before accepting the role as senior pastor. Pastor Pearls carried on the original vision of the church, helping the community, by giving away food, clothing the homeless, and serving hot breakfast every Sunday to the community. In 2003, after 33 years of service, Pastor Pearls stepped down and the church elected Pastor Rickie L. Williams. Under his leadership, the church has continued to faithfully serve the West Oakland community through various outreach programs. Although the church was ravaged by fire in September 2013, the congregation bounded together and rebuilt the church on the same property to continue its ministry in the West Oakland community. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Zion First Church of God in Christ on the celebration of its 100th year of worship. I wish Zion First Church of God in Christ many more years of authentic and compassionate service

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of the Pacific School of Religion. Founded in 1866, the Pacific School of Religion, formerly known as the Pacific Theological Seminary, was established to serve as ``an institution of the people'' and ``a child of the churches'' by preparing spiritually rooted leaders for faith- based through rigorous scholarship, practical training, and immersive footwork. Firmly cemented in the history of social justice in the United States, the school served as a building block for ongoing service including pastoral ministry, non-profit and civic leadership, and public policy. In 1901, the school moved to its first Berkeley location near the University of California, Berkeley campus. By 1916, because of the school's new nondenominational status and the faculty's growing interest in the importance of the world's religions to the Christian faith, the name was changed to its current name: Pacific School of Religion. During World War II, former President Arthur C. McGiffert and his colleague John C. Bennett voiced concerns of community members against Japanese internment camps, including the imprisonment of several seminarians. After the war, President McGiffert went on to remedy war- torn communities in both Europe and Asia through the establishment of the Post-War Rehabilitation School at PSR which trained students to minister these communities. Similarly, the school provided necessary leadership for other intuitions with similar goals to promote education and dialog in underrepresented communities. The school later formed the Graduate Theological Union, a daring experiment in ecumenical cooperation between Protestant and Catholic institutions. This development aimed to bridge Protestant and Catholic Studies and bring forth new fields of study in religion, such as LGBTQ and Gender Studies. Over the years, the Pacific School of Religion has gathered some of our nation's leading voices of social change and theological writers, including Georgia Harkness who later became the first tenured woman professor at the school in the 1950's. Today, graduates are well recognized in their respective fields and are a leading force in promoting social justice and compassion based-practices around the world. Their leadership and commitment to theology and religious studies have been critical starting points to cultivating positive change throughout our nation. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the Pacific School of Religion on this important milestone. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to its success over the years. I wish the faculty, students, and administration continued success in the years to come.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mr. Stanley K. Sheinbaum. With his passing on September 12, 2016, I look to recognize his extraordinary life and the invaluable influence it has had on our nation. Stanley was born in the Bronx on June 12, 1920, to Herman Sheinbaum, an immigrant from Lithuania, and Selma Klimberg. His father was a manufacturer of women's belts and shoes, and the young Stanley initially struggled with his education. He served as a map-maker in the Army during World War II, and later attended Oklahoma A&M, now known as Oklahoma State University. Stanley ultimately transferred to Stanford University, where he studied economics and graduated summa cum laude. During the late 1950s Mr. Sheinbaum taught economics at Michigan State University and became involved in providing technical support for South Vietnam through the Michigan State University Group (MSUG). Stanley would later learn that the MSUG was a front for covert CIA operations in Vietnam, and left the program before later working with journalist Robert Scheer on an expose about it that was published in 1966. This experience led to Stanley becoming outspoken in his criticism of the Vietnam War, and government corruption here at home. Stanley later worked for the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions in Santa Barbara, California and ran for Congress twice as a peace candidate. Although both runs were unsuccessful he continued to work for the end the war, and stepped in to raise money for Daniel Ellsberg's legal defense after the exposure of the Pentagon Papers. One of his most famous political missions was leading a delegation of American Jewish leaders in 1988 to persuade Yasser Arafat to renounce terrorism and recognize Israel. Some vilified him for his contact with the Palestinian Liberation Organization and its President. Others believe it may have paved the way for the Oslo Accords and Arafat's handshake with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin at the White House in 1993. Here at home he thrust himself into every political storm he could find as an avid supporter of progressive change. As President of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners after the beating of Rodney King, Mr. Sheinbaum was instrumental in the ousting of Chief Daryl Gates and promoted reforms of the LA Police Department. On a personal note Stanley was larger than life. His clarity of purpose, his vision, his work for a peaceful world, his brilliance and boldness provided many of us the encouragement to continue to fight the good fight, to never give up and to ``keep hope alive''. I and my colleagues benefitted from his selfless support and faith in us that we would be true to our principals and fight for a progressive agenda. Most importantly, Stanley was a friend and a mentor who loved and embraced us as kindred spirits. For this we are deeply grateful. Today, California's 13th Congressional District is accompanied by California's 37th and California's 47th in saluting the invaluable service of Stanley Sheinbaum. We honor his memory with a continued dedication to the progressive agenda. We join our nation and his loved ones in celebrating his incredible life with a promise to honor his legacy.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary career of Judge Gordon Baranco. I would like to congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his invaluable service to our community. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Gordon graduated from Oakland High School in 1965. Gordon would become a star basketball player at the University of California, Davis, where he led the Aggies to win three league championships. Gordon's time spent at UC Davis would coincide with the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. This time in Gordon's life was critical to his academic and civic development, opening his eyes to injustices here in the United States and abroad. In 1969, Gordon graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor's degree in political science. Inspired by the idea that the law could be a vehicle to change society, he went on to enroll in law school. He graduated from the King School of Law at UC Davis in 1972. As an attorney, Gordon practiced as a Graduate Legal Assistant in the office of the California State Attorney General; a Deputy District Attorney in the office of the San Francisco District Attorney; as managing Attorney for the San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation, and Assistant to the City Attorney in Oakland. At the young age of 32 he was made the Honorable Gordon Baranco, appointed to the Oakland Piedmont Emeryville Municipal Court by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. After serving as presiding judge of the court, he was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian as a judge of the Alameda County Superior Court. In 2004, Judge Baranco was instrumental in establishing the Alameda County Homeless and Caring Court, which provides a much needed alternative to the traditional criminal justice court system for the homeless. On a personal note, Judge Baranco worked with me and helped lead our record remedy and expungement conferences for several years. Because of his boldness and commitment, many returning citizens have been able to move forward with their lives without the troubles of their past once their parole is completed. For this, I, along with so many others, am deeply grateful. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, Judge Gordon Baranco, I salute you. I thank you for a lifetime of service and congratulate you on your achievements. I wish you and your loved ones the very best as you enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mrs. Ethel Mae Molo, who was affectionately known by family and friends as GG. Mrs. Molo was born on October 27, 1914 in Homer, Louisiana. After graduating from McDonogh Thirty-Five High School she attended and graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. After moving to California Ethel married Mr. Raymond Molo, she also had three beautiful children. Once in California she was given the opportunity to hold a position on the Kaiser shipyard as a Rosie the Riveter, helping to support the war efforts for World War II. She later continued her service at the Naval Air station working on aircrafts. After many years as a dispatcher, she retired from the Air Station. Following her retirement Ethel was very active throughout her community. She worked with political leaders Ronald Dellums, Willie Brown, and Don Peralta on projects in the Bay Area. On a national level she was an active member of the NAACP, for fifteen years she helped fundraise money for Fannie Lou Hamer and the voting rights act in Mississippi. As a strong woman of faith Mrs. Molo worshiped at the Presbyterian Women of Faith East Oakland Fellowship Circle and was the secretary of her church. All in all, Ethel was a woman of many colors. Her interests were diverse as were the many people she touched with her hard work and dedication to her community and those that were less fortunate than her. Traveling, sewing, reading and cooking big meals for her friends and family were among her many hobbies. She spent her golden years reading comfortably eating her favorite cookies, spending time with her family and watching her game shows. She leaves to celebrate her life, her three loving children, Dovelyn Burbridge-Winbush, Gene Hennen, and Alfreda Gibson-Hampton. She also leaves six generations of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren along with her nieces and nephew. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the legacy of Mrs. Ethel Mae Molo. Her contributions have truly impacted countless lives throughout the Bay Area. I join her loved ones in celebrating her incredible life and offer my most sincere condolences.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a truly dedicated public servant and a great friend, Jacqueline Ellis. I was heartbroken to learn of her recent passing. Jacqui was a trusted and devoted staffer to Congressmen Al Green, Congressman Major Owens, and the late Senator Howell Heflin. She was a longtime advocate and mentor for people of color, especially African American women, working on Capitol Hill. The entire Capitol Hill family will miss her dearly, but we will treasure our fond memories that were created with her over her 30 years of selfless public service. I know my Chief of Staff also viewed Jacqui as a mentor and my entire staff will dearly miss her. We will remember the many gifts that Jacqui possessed, and we will miss her commitment to social justice, her gentle spirit, and her humbleness. Jacqui was a role model to many on Capitol Hill and a fierce advocate for people from all walks of life. I extend my sincere condolences to Jacqui's family, loved ones, her colleagues in Congressman Green's office, and to all those who served with her over the years. She will be sorely missed.