[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 112 (Monday, June 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING AND RECOGNIZING SYLVIA COPELAND-MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DONALD A. McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2021

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize my 
Constituent Services Director, Rev. Sylvia Copeland-Murphy, for her 
devoted service to her church, Oak Grove Baptist Church, in Suffolk, 
Virginia, where she has served as the Assistant Pastor for the last 18 
years.
  Sylvia was born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia. She was one of seven 
children in her family and attended public school in the Suffolk area. 
Sylvia has dedicated her life to serving as a voice for the 
underprivileged through her work on housing assistance, with Oak Grove 
Baptist Church, and as Constituent Services Director for Virginia's 
Fourth Congressional District.
  I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Sylvia on the campaign 
trail in 2016. She has an infectious, kind personality that draws 
people towards her, and has been an irreplaceable member of my team.
  Through her work at her church, Sylvia has supported her community by 
leading youth groups, women's ministries, and workshops. These 
initiatives showcase Sylvia's deep care for her community and her 
devotion to Oak Grove Baptist Church. I knew early on that her 
dedication to supporting her community would be a great asset to my 
office.
  With Sylvia's support, the first congressional office in the city of 
Suffolk opened and she continued to serve her community through her 
role as a caseworker, and eventually, as Constituent Services Director. 
Her compassion, diligence, and organization made her a natural fit for 
the position, one of the hardest jobs in any congressional office. 
Through her particularly impressive background in housing and devotion 
to her community, Sylvia has been able to provide immeasurable support 
to the people in Virginia's Fourth Congressional District.
  Sylvia has a knack for finding the source of a problem and fixing it. 
With her passion, empathy, and intelligence, Sylvia is a powerful 
leader and successful advocate for her community. Sylvia's dedication 
to public service has left a lasting impact on the lives of the 
parishioners of Oak Grove Baptist Church and the Suffolk community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. 
Sylvia Copeland-Murphy for her service to her community and Oak Grove 
Baptist Church.

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