[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF KEITH E. WEATHERSPOON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2024

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life 
of Keith E. Weatherspoon. He was born on December 13, 1949, in New 
Orleans, part of Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District, to Catherine 
Adauf Weatherspoon and Leslie E. Weatherspoon.
  Keith was raised by his maternal grandparents in Robbins, Illinois, 
and attended Eisenhower High School in Chicago. Eventually, he moved 
back to New Orleans, graduating from Walter L. Cohen Senior High 
School. Mr. Weatherspoon remained in New Orleans through college, 
attending Xavier University of Louisiana, and later receiving a 
master's degree from Tulane University. Keith was also a proud member 
of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., to which he was initiated in the 
Fairfax/Alexandria Chapter in 1983 .
  In his professional life, Keith Weatherspoon was involved in 
pharmaceutical sales, and later stockbroking. During his transition 
into the world of stockbroking, he paused this work to serve as Special 
Assistant to then, United States President Ronald Reagan. Upon his 
return to investment banking, he was able to establish housing finance 
agencies to provide mortgages to low-income families for municipalities 
and states.
  Keith later served as Senior Vice President at Donaldson, Lufkin, & 
Jenrette, a major investment banking firm, through which he handled 
bond issues across the nation. His work in this role was monumental for 
Louisiana public schools, which were able to remain open in April 1988 
thanks to Keith's facilitating a Louisiana bond refunding issue of $1.2 
billion. Mr. Weatherspoon also held innumerable leadership positions, 
such as Director of Business Development at Airware LLC and Managing 
Partner of Sterling--Weatherspoon. He had over 40 years of real estate 
experience, most recently at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and 
worked tirelessly on developing the Electric Vehicle charging industry.
  Keith was committed to serving as a positive force for good, through 
uplifting others and remained committed to the city of New Orleans. 
Here, he served on the Board of City Trusts and counseled public 
officials on economic and municipal issues. He was devoted to the Zulu 
Social Aid and Pleasure Club, as a lifetime member and 1990's King 
Zulu. Keith was also a founding member of the Good Providers Fishing 
Club.
  Mr. Weatherspoon met the love of his life, Debra Sterling 
Weatherspoon, in 2005, and was able to create beautiful memories by her 
side. They spent their time traveling and watching their beloved New 
Orleans Saints football games, alongside their cherished friends from 
their time at university. Most of all, they spent their time smiling 
and laughing alongside one another. Keith and Debra were members of the 
Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and, after Hurricane 
Katrina devastated New Orleans, the couple relocated to Texas, where 
they became members of the Metropolitan Church in Houston, Texas. 
Though residing in Houston, they celebrated every holiday and milestone 
in New Orleans.
  Keith is survived by his devoted wife, Debra Sterling Weatherspoon, 
and one daughter, Ashley Marie Weatherspoon from his late ex-wife Marie 
Slade Weatherspoon. Keith also leaves to cherish his memories, three 
sisters, Cosette Weatherspoon West Kaufman (Julius), Giselle 
Weatherspoon Williams, and Nadja Weatherspoon Carr (Dennis); Sister-in 
laws, Yvonne Sterling, Verdell Sterling Carter, and Brother-in-law 
Howard A. Sterling; Godchildren, Kristal Terrel, Nikki Carter-Williams, 
Rodrick Davis, and Myran Ifford; and a host of nieces, nephews, other 
relatives, and friends.
  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Earl Weatherspoon, 
and Catherine Adauf Weatherspoon, Maternal grandparents, Albert S. 
Adauf (Adolph), Mary Dixon Adolph (step-grandmother), Elizabeth Ovide 
Adauf and his Aunt Irene Adauf Williams.
  Mr. Weatherspoon was a staunch believer in ``if you want something in 
life, you must work hard for it''. This is evident through the work 
that he put into every facet of his life, from his devotion to his 
loving family and friends to the innumerable number of commitments to 
which he dedicated himself. His legacy should serve as an inspiration 
to all. I will forever cherish the many conversations I shared over the 
years with my fraternity brother and confidant. His impact will be 
forever engraved in the lives he touched along the way. I am proud to 
say, I am a benefactor of his knowledge. Rest well, my brother.

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