[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         WE'RE GLAD OLIVIA SIMMONS AND DARYL EDWARDS WERE HERE

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 1996

  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, like so many communities across 
America and some parts of the world, New Jersey's 10th Congressional 
District lost some of its members in the crash of TWA flight 800 on 
July 17. This evening at the St. Matthew AME Church in Orange, NJ, a 
memorial service, organized under the direction of Orange Mayor Mims 
Hackett, is being held for Olivia Simmons, one of the victims.
  By all accounts, Olivia Simmons was a caring individual who cherished 
life. She did what she could to make life as beneficial as possible for 
others. Ms. Simmons was a teacher in the Newark school system for 28 
years. She taught at the Clinton Avenue School and the Broadway 
Elementary School. In the past several years, Ms. Simmons was also a 
school librarian.
  Ms. Simmons loved the written word and dedicated her life to opening 
new horizons by encouraging others to appreciate books and other 
written material. She was an avid, reader who belonged to literary 
clubs and the International Reading Association.
  Ms. Simmons valued multiculturalism. In addition to her teacher/
librarian duties she also was a flight attendant for 21 years. Because 
of her love and respect for our different cultures, she traveled during 
weekends and summers.
  Mr. Speaker, we also lost another in that terrible crash, Daryl 
Edwards. Mr. Edwards was a flight attendant with TWA for 18 years. He 
was born in Newark, NJ and raised in East Orange, NJ. He graduated from 
East Orange High School. He attended and graduated from American 
University in Washington, DC.
  One of Mr. Edwards' delights was cooking. He was an accomplished 
chef, having been graduated from the Peter Kamp Culinary School in New 
York City. He owned a catering business. Mr. Edwards gave and received 
great joy through his culinary art.
  Mr. Speaker, Olivia Simmons and Daryl Edwards were two warm, friendly 
and caring individuals. Their absence will be felt. However, although 
we will miss them, we're glad they were here.

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