[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REMEMBRANCE OF MARVALYNE HENRY: A REMARKABLE WOMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2006

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay belated tribute to 
one of our community's unsung leaders, the late Marvalyne W. Henry, 
whose life was remembered and celebrated on January 9, 2006 at the 
Range Memorial Chapel in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
  Ms. Henry left a wonderful legacy for all of us, and she will be 
sorely missed, especially by those who looked up to her as a model of 
utmost benevolence and caring. I want to take this opportunity to honor 
her faithful stewardship over those who came to her for guidance and 
understanding. The hallmark of her life's excellence and commitment was 
defined by her compassion, which evoked the ever-enduring presence of 
God in her life.
  Born to the late J.C. Woodson and Margaret ``Maggie'' Williams on 
August 16, 1937 in Smithville, Georgia, Ms. Henry demonstrated an 
immense love and compassion for others, especially the less fortunate 
and the downtrodden. Despite the problems she had had with her health, 
her faith was unshakable and served her well in ministering to those 
who needed her help.
  Her nurturing spirit transformed her home into an oasis of love and 
encouragement--not only for the immediate members of her family, but 
also for countless others who came to seek much-needed comfort and 
solace from her. Indeed, the genuine kindness she extended to others 
transformed a rather sad occasion into a celebration of her life when 
they could take comfort in memorializing the magnificent example of a 
life so nobly lived. Despite the sobering challenges of her health 
problems, Ms. Henry managed to exude a great soul and a beautiful 
spirit that evoked an unshakable belief rarely shown and tested amidst 
so much trial and tribulation.
  Ms. Henry is survived by her children: Nedra Henry, Lynnette Mathis 
(Larry), Tammie Coney (Michael), Gidget McLean (Charleston), Tameka 
Benbow, Derrick Henry (Alisia), Gary Mays, and Sherman Henry; sister, 
Wendie Williams; brothers, Samuel Williams (Mary), Richard Williams 
(Vanessa), and Leon Williams (Ann); two aunts: Loraine Humphries, and 
Doll Calbert of Detroit, Michigan; a host of grandchildren, great 
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
  Buttressed by her unflinching faith, Ms. Henry's life has indeed been 
bountifully blessed. This is the celebration of a remarkable woman, and 
I know that my colleagues join me in honoring her.

                          ____________________