[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 73 (Monday, May 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E813]]
      REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DR. THELMA EVELYN GOODRICH-HILL, PHD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise with great sadness as I pay tribute 
to Dr. Thelma Evelyn Goodrich-Hill an outstanding daughter of Harlem 
who recently passed away at the age of 85. As I speak with profound 
sorrow, I ascend to celebrate a life well lived and to remember with 
fondness the accomplishments of a remarkable woman who, over her many 
years and under much adversary, was a leader in the sphere of business.
  Thelma was born on April 19, 1923, in the City of New York. She was 
one of four daughters born to James E. Daniel Goodrich. Thelma was a 
life-long resident of Harlem and was a product of New York City's 
public school system, graduating from Wadleigh High School. She 
received her professional training at the Harlem Academy of Business, 
City University of New York's Baruch School of Business, and the 
College of Insurance.
  As a daughter of a real estate entrepreneur, Thelma inherited her 
father's interest in the world of business becoming one of the first 
women in Harlem to own and operate her own brokerage firm, Thelma E. 
Goodrich Real Estate & Insurance Inc.
  In January 1960, she united with Lawrence Dudley Hill in holy 
matrimony. Their marriage was a loving and committed union, lasting 45 
years until his passing in September 2005.
  Over the years, Thelma emerged as a stabilizing force in the Harlem 
community in addition to blazing many new trails as a female 
entrepreneur. In 1982, after many years of the company's growth, Thelma 
E. Goodrich Inc., merged with the firm of Ernest E. Johnson Insurance 
Inc., forming Goodrich Johnson Brokerage. This company, a full service 
insurance brokerage business, continues to effectively handle the needs 
of businesses and churches throughout the State of New York.

  Throughout her busy and involved career, Thelma shared her knowledge 
of the insurance business by serving on corporate boards and in 
corporate leadership positions. In 1988 she was elected chair of the 
board of directors of the United Mutual Life Insurance Company, the 
first African-American woman to hold that position. She was also the 
first woman to serve as president, of the Council of Insurance Brokers 
of Greater New York, Inc.
  Thelma was also involved with many different organizations. She was 
an active member of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority and a life long member 
and past president of the New York Club of the National Association of 
Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs Inc., a former chair of 
the board of the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board, and a founding 
member and past president of the Harlem Business Alliance. In April 
1986 she was elected to the board of trustees at Shaw University in 
Raleigh, North Carolina, and in 1998, she was awarded a Doctorate of 
Humane Letters by Shaw University.
  Over the years, Thelma was recognized by the business and religious 
communities for her professional achievements and volunteer work to 
improve the quality of life for others, including the NAACP, United 
Insurance Brokers of Greater New York, Harlem Commonwealth Council, 
Shaw University School of Divinity, The YWCA, and most recently, the 
Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater New York, Inc.
  Thelma leaves behind a wealth of family and friends to honor her 
memory. She will be greatly missed by her. sister, Irene McKenzie; 2 
nephews, 1 niece, and a blessed abundance of cousins, friends and 
colleagues.
  Madam Speaker, rather than mourn her passing, I hope that my 
colleagues will join me in celebrating the life of Dr. Thelma Goodrich-
Hill by remembering that she exemplified greatness in every way.

                          ____________________