[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO A LADY LYDA

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Lyda Lee Williams Saunders Whyte or Lady 
Lyda, the title bestowed on her by the pastors of the Brooklyn's Bridge 
Street A.M.E. Church, is a valiant community and church leader.
  Lady Lyda the oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Williams was born on 
February 8, 1909, in Emborden VA. Early on her parents instilled in her 
the importance of obtaining an education. At the age of 10, she and her 
sister would walk for miles through woods just to attend school. When 
she was 13, she taught religious education at Mount Sinai Baptist 
Church and years later she earned her degree from Virginia State 
College, currently known as Virginia State University.
  In 1932 Lady Lee married the late Harry Arthalia Saunders and shortly 
thereafter they became members of Bridge Street A.M.E. Church. They 
were blessed to have two daughters, Delores and Walean. In 1973, after 
the death of her husband, she married Mr. Raymond Edward Whyte and 
immediately inherited 2 stepdaughters and 15 grandchildren. She now has 
a total of 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
  In her capacity as a church and community leader Lady Lyda has served 
in various capacities: Twenty-four years as the secretary of the 
Official Board and Church Conference; secretary for the Senior Citizens 
Club, Lay Leadership, Church Anniversary Commission, and the Virginia 
Club of Membership and Evangelism. She also extended her reach into 
politics by running for State Assembly in New York State and has found 
time to travel extensively in the United States and abroad including; 
the Holy Land, England, Hawaii, Jamaica, and Canada.
  Lady Lyda is very proud of her family and their accomplishments. Her 
mother was a teaching specialist and her father was a hard worker and 
good provider. Her brothers and sisters are all educated and involved 
in church activities. Lady Lyda's daughter serves as an assistant 
administrator at Cabrini Hospital in New York.

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