[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF ERMA ORA JAMES BYRD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Erma Ora Byrd, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and 
dear friend and mentor to many. Her passing marks a great loss for her 
family and friends, and also for the people of West Virginia, whom she 
served with the highest level of commitment, concern, integrity and 
honor.
  The daughter of a coal miner, Mrs. Byrd remained deeply connected to 
the foundation of her childhood--one based on family, faith and 
community. Whether greeting kings at state dinners or meeting with 
neighbors at the town hall, Mrs. Byrd reflected a certain grace, 
kindness and warmth. She shied away from the harsh glare of politics, 
preferring instead to focus on family and close friends, gently 
inspiring and teaching by example. Mrs. Byrd and Senator Robert Byrd 
were married for 68 years. They met in grade school and married at the 
tender age of 19.
  Together, they raised two daughters, Mona and Marjorie. Mrs. Byrd's 
limitless love for her daughters, grandchildren and great-children 
extended to every child in West Virginia, upon whose behalf she 
advocated. Though awards and accolades held no significance to her, 
Mrs. Byrd's outreach and advocacy work has been honored numerous times. 
Both West Virginia University and Marshall University have established 
academic scholarship programs in her name.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Mrs. Erma Ora James Byrd. I extend my deepest condolences to her 
husband, United States Senator Robert Byrd; to her daughters, Mona 
Carole Byrd Fatemi and Marjorie Ellen Byrd Moore; to her sons-in-law, 
Mohammed Fatemi and Jon Moore; and to her grandchildren, great-
grandchildren and extended family members and many friends. Mrs. Byrd's 
boundless love for her family, friends and for the people of West 
Virginia will be remembered always.

                          ____________________