[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO FLORENCE RICKETTS GAYNOR ON THE CELEBRATION OF HER 105TH 
                                BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Florence Ricketts 
Gaynor, my constituent, who will celebrate her birthday on May 18, 
2006. She will be 105 years of age. I offer my congratulations to her 
on this special day, and my hearty wishes that she celebrate many more.
  Born on May 18, 1901, Mrs. Gaynor was one of eight children of 
Frances Drake and James Ricketts who resided in Crooked River, 
Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies. In the 1920's, she married Gilbert 
Gaynor in May Pen, Clarendon, where they had six children.
  Throughout her life, Mrs. Gaynor remained active in the church, 
especially the Mother's Union. She worked as a sales clerk and a 
seamstress. She was also employed in the laundry at the U.S. Air Base 
at Vernon Field, Jamaica. Her husband, Gilbert Gaynor, died in 1978.
  Mrs. Gaynor immigrated to New York City in May 2001, shortly after 
her 100th birthday, to live with two of her daughters--Violet Morgan 
and Enid Gaynor. They reside on Riverside Drive in the Washington 
Heights neighborhood of my congressional district.
  Mrs. Gaynor has 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one 
great, great granddaughter.
  Mrs. Gaynor attributes her long life to her faith in God and uses 
white rum as part of her final hair rinse to prevent colds. As a proud 
resident of the United States, she is very happy to have a permanent 
resident card even though she has no plans to work.
  It is my great privilege to represent Mrs. Gaynor in the Congress of 
the United States, and I call upon my colleagues to join with me in 
wishing her a happy birthday and joyous reunion with her family to 
celebrate the occasion.

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