[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 125 (Tuesday, September 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRESSMAN J. RANDY FORBES TRIBUTE TO MRS. HELEN DAUGHTREY

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Helen 
Daughtrey, who was 80 years old when she passed away on Saturday, 
August 15, 2009. America lost a community icon, public servant, and 
devoted daughter, wife, sister, and mother with the death of Helen 
Daughtrey. Helen will be remembered for her strong voice for fairness, 
civic duty, equality, and justice.
  A long-time resident of Suffolk, Virginia, Helen was active in a 
myriad of service groups that improved the lives of those in the 
community. She served as the NAACP's Vice President for the Suffolk 
Branch. Helen was also a member of the American Red Cross, the Suffolk 
Beautification Committee, the Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia, 
the International Black Women's Congress, and Chesapeake Silver Strands 
Senior Citizens Club.
  Helen was perhaps best known for her leadership and tireless efforts 
to see through the community improvement projects at The Fairgrounds 
and the East Washington Street corridor. Helen also tirelessly 
championed the conversion of the 1921 Phoenix Bank, Suffolk's first 
African-American bank into a black history museum.
  As a lifelong member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Helen was a 
dutiful woman of faith. Her commitment to her community of faith was 
evident in her service on the Deaconess Board, and as a member of the 
Mass and Chapel choirs and the Harvesters' Missionary Circle. She also 
taught a Sunday school class and was the founder of the Afro-Centric 
Ministry.
  Helen was a 1946 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and 
remained involved in the alumni chapter. Helen was the proud wife of 
James Otis ``Buck'' Daughtrey. They had four daughters--Brenda, Rhonda, 
Sharon, and Ida. Helen deeply touched each one of her many friends in 
the community, and I am proud to count myself among them.
  Helen Daughtrey was the personification of determination, 
volunteerism, and persistence. Her deep faith drove her efforts to 
improve her city and the lives of the people within it. Helen's 
contributions to the citizens of Suffolk will not be forgotten or 
easily replaced, and her work will live on for generations. I can say 
with certainty, that at another ceremony in Helen's honor that we 
cannot see with our eyes, Helen is hearing the words: ``Well done, my 
good and faithful servant.''

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