[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 163 (Tuesday, September 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF GLORIA SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2021

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to remember the 
life of the wonderful Gloria Smith of New Orleans.
  Or as she was affectionately known, Granny.
  Though we weren't related by blood, she was still family to me.
  And to Granny, her family--her children, grandkids, and great-
grandkids--were her world.
  She was born on February 28, 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the 
late Willie Godfrey and Genevieve Francis. Gloria was the youngest of 
two girls.
  In 1953, Gloria married her sweetheart, the late Frank Charles Smith, 
II. Together, they had nine children.
  My siblings and I grew up one block away from Granny, and her home 
was always a welcoming place bustling with people.
  Granny was witty and could always make you laugh.
  She brought a special type of charm and humor that was magnetic.
  She pulled you in and always knew how to lift you up if you were 
down.
  She radiated love.
  Granny never turned down an opportunity to dance. She knew how to 
have a good time and cherish every moment.
  She was a godly woman, and was very involved in church and served in 
her children's schools.
  Holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings will not be the same 
without her, or without her delicious homemade fried chicken and French 
fries, or gumbo, gravy and rice.
  Madam Speaker, please share a prayer for Granny and the entire family 
in this difficult time.
  Her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 118:24: ``This is the day the Lord 
has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.''
  She lived this truth every day of her eighty-six years, living life 
to the fullest.
  Everyone who knew her is blessed to have had her in their lives.
  I am lucky to count myself among them.
  We love Granny.

                          ____________________