[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 138 (Thursday, September 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF ALFRED D. COWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2015

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember 
the life of Alfred D. Coward, who passed away on July 10th, 2015 with 
his beloved wife, Verlene, by his side. Alfred was a community leader 
in Youngstown, Ohio of the utmost caliber and influence. Over 35 years 
of distinguished service to the Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church, Alfred 
``The Rev'' Coward served in multiple leadership positions. These 
included Superintendent of the Sunday school, Head of Pastoral Affairs 
and Bereavement, and Chairman of the Brotherhood Department to name a 
few.
   Alfred's leadership skills were also employed outside of the walls 
of Mt. Calvary Church. Reverend Coward's civic involvement included 
four years as Chair of the Mayor's Task Force on Crime and Violence 
Prevention, five years on the Steering Committee of the Youngstown Weed 
& Seed Initiative, as well as an appointment by Mayor Jay Williams to 
the Youngstown Civil Service Commission, where he served as Vice-
President. Alfred was also the recipient of the Crisis Intervention 
Unit for Domestic Violence Award.
   Alfred was preceded in death by his parents; an aunt and uncle, 
Naomi and John Carpenter, who reared him; and a sister Darlene Carter. 
He leaves behind the love of his life Verlene ``Sweet Verl'' Coward, 
his wife of nearly 46 years; the pride of his life, his three children, 
Alfred D. (Nicole) Coward II of Youngstown, OH; Teri J. Coward of 
Austintown, OH; and Aaron (Veronica) Coward, of Boardman, OH; the joy 
of his life, nine grandchildren, Kandace Coward, Kamille Coward, Ashley 
Joseph, Kayla Coward, Courtney Joseph, Gabrielle Joseph, Alfred Coward 
III, Aarion Coward and Addisyn Coward; a sister, Brenda Townsend of 
Tulsa, OK; and a host of loving family, church family, and friends.
   I am deeply saddened by Alfred's passing, and extend my most 
heartfelt condolences to his entire family. Reverend Coward was an 
exemplary spiritual and civic leader who, through his unwavering 
dedication and service to his community, left Youngstown and Northeast 
Ohio a better place than when he found it.

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