[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E913-E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF MS. VALRIE A. BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Ms. Valrie A. Bennett who recently departed this world as we know it. 
Although we grieve her being taken from us we must not see her 
departure as a loss because she fought the good fight, ran the good 
race and completed her life's mission. A woman of true character gifted 
with an

[[Page E914]]

endearing spirit, she was an inspiration and mentor to many in her 
life, including a very close family member and a dear friend and 
colleague of mine Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee of Houston, Texas.
  A matron of the family, she dedicated her life to keeping her family 
together and instilling exemplary values in those she influenced. 
Congresswoman Jackson-Lee can attest to this because that same 
dedication has made her what she is today, a compassionate and 
honorable public servant.
  Ms. Bennett was not only active in providing for those she loved in 
her own household, but she was deeply involved with the many 
institutions and people in my Congressional District in New York where 
she resided for almost 50 years. She was a prominent member of her 
community church in which she served as an Elder always welcoming 
strangers into the fellowship and assisting in serving their spiritual 
needs. She is remembered for her belief in and practice of fervent 
prayer.
  With many years of experience connecting with young people in the 
community she has influenced my lives. Ms. Bennett has accomplished 
this through the use of certain outreach programs that get to the core 
of problems within our inner cities. Ingrained with the caring spirit 
that only a mother has, she was responsible for many of the great 
initiatives aimed at keeping young people off the streets.
  With high admiration I enter into the Record a tribute to Ms. Valrie 
A. Bennett, for I know that Ms. Bennett's heart of gold has touched 
someone in the community; whether it is a person of youth, vibrant with 
life and spirit, or a person of age with greater life experience. All 
who knew her benefited from her active counsel and example. Even though 
Ms. Bennett has gone on her strong spirit and commitment live on in 
each and everyone of us. She will truly be missed.

                          ____________________