[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 35 (Monday, March 27, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2397-S2398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ERMA ORA JAMES BYRD

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I would like to open today with respects 
paid to Erma Byrd, the wife of our dear friend and colleague, Senator 
Robert Byrd. As the Chaplain mentioned in his prayer, Mrs. Byrd passed 
away recently--in fact, on Saturday night.
  Erma Ora James Byrd was the devoted wife of Senator Byrd for nearly 
69 years. Born in Virginia in 1917, Erma and her family moved to West 
Virginia when she was a child. It was there that she met her future 
husband at the Mark Twain Grade School in Raleigh County.

[[Page S2398]]

  The couple married when they were 19 years old. The daughter of coal 
miners, Erma never forgot her humble beginnings.
  As a young couple, the Byrds enjoyed a simple existence. They could 
often be found at community square dances where Senator Byrd would be 
playing his fiddle and Erma would be dancing. From those local dances, 
to running a grocery business, to raising a family, Erma and Senator 
Byrd were partners in everything they did.
  When Senator Byrd decided to come to the House of Representatives in 
1952 and then later entered law school, Erma took the lead in handling 
the house and bringing up their daughters.
  Throughout her life, Mrs. Byrd focused on her family. The Byrds were 
the proud parents to two daughters, Mona and Marjorie. And they were 
blessed with six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
  Mrs. Byrd's love of children extended far beyond her family. In West 
Virginia, Erma Byrd was known far and wide for her advocacy for 
children and for helping young people get ahead.

  Dedicated, determined, loving, and loyal--these were the words many 
used to describe Erma Byrd. And they are the qualities that our 
colleague cherished dearly in his wife.
  On their 65th wedding anniversary, Senator Byrd said:

       Erma and I are complete and whole, a total that is more 
     than the sum of its parts. In my life, Erma Ora Byrd is the 
     diamond. She is a priceless treasure, a multifaceted woman of 
     great insight and wisdom, of quiet humor and common sense. I 
     wish that more people could know the joy I have had in 
     finding one's soul mate early in life and then sharing that 
     deep companionship over many happy years.

  Senator Byrd, our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your 
family. We mourn your loss, and we celebrate the life of the wonderful 
woman who stood by your side.

                          ____________________