[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF COMMISSIONER DAISY WILLIAMS LYNUM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. VAL BUTLER DEMINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2020

  Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
legacy of Commissioner Daisy Williams Lynum, who transitioned from 
labor to reward on Thursday, October 8, 2020.
  Born in Leesburg, Florida, Commissioner Lynum was a proud graduate of 
Bethune Cookman University and chose to dedicate her life to public 
service at an early age. Daisy Lynum clearly understood that education 
was the greatest key to success, so she began her career as a teacher. 
Her commitment to service was just beginning when she became a social 
worker with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative 
Services. Her work as a social worker further demonstrated her 
commitment to improving the quality of life for all people, not just 
the privileged few.
  In 1998, Daisy Lynum was called to even greater work when she was 
elected to the Orlando City Council, succeeding Commissioner Nap Ford. 
Commissioner Lynum was the right person at the right time. She was a 
tenacious, no-nonsense leader, who fought for educational and economic 
opportunities for citizens and business owners in her district.
  She was responsible for the introduction of initiatives, like the 
Blueprint Program, to ensure the largest public work projects had a 
direct benefit to the community, women and other minority-owned 
businesses. In addition, Commissioner Lynum was instrumental in 
bringing the Florida A&M University College of Law to District 5.
  Commissioner Lynum served 16 years, and I was honored to serve during 
a portion of that time as police chief. As such, I enjoyed working 
alongside Commissioner Lynum during good and challenging times in 
Orlando. I will forever cherish our numerous meetings, private 
conversations, laughs, strategy sessions, and debates. She was a master 
debater. Commissioner Lynum was my Sister in Delta and my friend. I 
learned much from her wisdom and leadership.
  Madam Speaker, Commissioner Lynum was a true public servant who 
fought to make District 5 one of the greatest communities to live, 
work, and visit. She loved her community and the community loved her. 
We are forever grateful for a life well lived.