[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MRS. ERMA BYRD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALAN B. MOLLOHAN

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, hearts are heavy in West Virginia this 
week as we mourn the loss of a very special woman: Mrs. Erma Byrd, the 
beloved wife of our distinguished senior Senator.
  Robert C. Byrd and Erma Ora James met as students at Mark Twain Grade 
School in Raleigh county. They married in 1937, at the tender age of 
19. In that simple ceremony, a lasting bond was forged, and an 
incredible journey was begun.
  Their journey took them from the coalfields of southern West Virginia 
to the halls of this great Capitol. At every point along the way, Erma 
Byrd was a constant source of strength, support and inspiration--
whether in raising their wonderful family or anchoring the incredible 
career of her devoted husband.
  In his words, she was a ``priceless treasure, a multifaceted woman of 
great insight and wisdom, of quiet humor and common sense.''
  What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman.
  On the sad occasion of her passing, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in expressing heartfelt condolences to Senator Byrd and his 
family. Our thoughts are with them as they say goodbye to Erma Byrd and 
cherish the memory of her caring kindness and love.

                          ____________________