[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ROBBIE FLOYD-

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 9, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness and great 
respect that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's 
finest citizens, Ms. Robbie Floyd of Gary, Indiana. Ms. Floyd's many 
contributions to the Northwest Indiana community, as a businesswoman, 
as a civil servant, and as a leader within her church, are worthy of 
our deepest admiration. Robbie passed away on Sunday, September 28, 
2008, but the impact and influence she has had on her community will 
surely live on for generations to come.
  Robbie Lorraine Floyd was born in Gunnison, Mississippi to Joseph and 
Julia Floyd. At the age of 8, Robbie relocated to Gary, Indiana. She 
attended Froebel High School, one of only two schools in the City of 
Gary with integrated classes, where African-American students could 
attend with other children and receive the same education. The type of 
person who always sought to deepen her understanding of different 
areas, Robbie later enrolled in real estate school and became a 
licensed realtor.
  Known for her focus and determination, Robbie Floyd took on the many 
challenges life brought her, and in spite of the shortage of advantages 
for African-Americans, sought to improve the quality of her life and 
the lives of her other family members. In the 1940s, she and her father 
became owner-operators of a grocery store, as well as apartment rental 
units in Gary.
  Ms. Floyd, a true activist in the Northwest Indiana area, also 
recognized that having a voice at City Hall was essential to social 
progress. Recognizing the respect Robbie had in her community, and 
seeing just how dedicated an individual she was, then Mayor Peter 
Mandich encouraged her to enter politics. Thus she became a Precinct 
Committeewoman twice, first in District 4 and later in District 3. 
These positions enabled Robbie to serve her constituents by giving them 
a voice and allowing them to acquire the services they needed. Later, 
continuing her service in the public sector, Robbie worked as the 
Administrative Assistant/Secretary to two city controllers, George 
Chacharis and my father, John Visclosky, both of whom later became 
mayors of the City of Gary. It is in the City Controller's office that 
I first met Ms. Floyd as a child. Robbie kept an eye on me there, and 
until the day of her passing, to make sure I stayed on the straight and 
narrow.
  A true renaissance woman, Robbie Floyd was also the first African-
American woman to serve as a police officer for the Lake County 
Sheriff. As her peers would recall, in breaking this glass ceiling, she 
did so with distinction, dignity, honor, and dedication. For her 
efforts, she was honored with the highest accolade bestowed upon an 
individual by the governor of the State of Indiana, the Sagamore of the 
Wabash.
  While she was fully committed to the people of Gary and Northwest 
Indiana, Robbie's commitment to her faith was equally impressive. After 
confessing Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior with First Baptist 
Church in Gary, she later became a charter member of Christ Baptist 
Church. Prior to her passing, Ms. Floyd was a key member of her church. 
For 16 years, Robbie served as its Financial Secretary. As her 
congregation would attest, she loved serving others and never failed to 
aid ``the stranger,'' ``the friend,'' or ``the child'' in any way that 
she could. Robbie was known for her ability to help those who needed it 
most, leading to her participation in various church ministries, 
including: the Willing Workers, Church School, the Church School 
Fellowship Committee, for which she served as its chair, Male Chorus 
Boosters, and the Pearce Prayer and Study Group.
  While Robbie Floyd was always active in her community and her church, 
she cherished her time with her family the most. She leaves to cherish 
her memory two daughters, Dr. Doris Keys Ward and Debra Floyd; 
grandnieces, LaTanya Obgiofor, Desnee Flakes, and Donna Floyd; 
grandnephews, Cordell (Millicent) Olive and Joseph Floyd, and numerous 
great-grandnieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by her 
many friends, her Pastor, Reverend Dr. Maurice White, Jr., and all of 
the members of Christ Baptist Church.
  Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring Robbie Lorraine Floyd for her 
outstanding devotion to her community in Northwest Indiana. Her 
unselfish and lifelong dedication to those in need is worthy of the 
highest commendation. Robbie's selflessness was an inspiration to us 
all, and I am proud to have represented her in Congress.

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