[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E496-E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MARY YVONNE MYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Mary Yvonne Myers, a beloved wife, mother, and 
grandmother, and cherished Oakland community member. She was born on 
October 29, 1937, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi as the eldest child to 
parents James Calvin and Nancy Stewart Slaughter. Mary, later known as 
`Yvonne' moved from Mississippi to San Diego, California in 1953 with 
her family. Her family flourished in their business ventures and elite 
social circles in California. In San Diego, Yvonne was mentored by her 
Aunt Mae, who was part of a group of African American entrepreneurs and 
community leaders in the area.
  After completing her high school education at San Diego High School, 
Yvonne and her family moved to Northern California in 1959. Yvonne 
began a fellowship with the Faith Chapel Church of God in Christ, where 
she met Minister Levi Young. They were married in August of 1961, and 
had three wonderful children together, along with Levi's son from a 
previous union. Through this marriage, Yvonne developed a love for 
ministry as she walked in the office of First Lady of the Revelation 
Church of God In Christ. Under the leadership of her husband and pastor 
she was licensed as a Missionary in the Church of God in Christ, and as 
the First Lady, Yvonne mentored many young women as they began their 
Christian journey. As the Executive Administrator of Charles Harrison 
Mason Bible College, Yvonne ensured that students were successful in 
their quest to get a deeper understanding of the Word of God. In the 
late 70s, Yvonne and Levi amicably took separate directions in life, 
dissolving their union.
  Yvonne remained very involved in Christian churches and continued to 
mentor young women in the church. In the late 1980s, Yvonne met the 
love of her life Reverend Clayton Myers, Jr. In July of 1989 the two 
were united in holy matrimony, a match truly made in heaven. Together, 
they led the auxiliary ministry of Evergreen's senior living facility, 
The JL Richards Terrace.

[[Page E497]]

  Later, Yvonne returned to the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, 
and served in a variety of ministry positions: Usher, Missionary, 
Hospitality, Greeter, Sunday School Department, and more. She used her 
positions to help children in the community, leading the `Kids Closet', 
which aimed to ensure that all children had adequate clothing and basic 
supplies. Her passion and support for children continued outside of the 
church, as she used the office of PTA President to bring about many 
changes for students and families at Washington Elementary School.
  She continued her involvement in the Oakland community, serving as 
Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Commission, championing many 
efforts to preserve the historic Children's Fairyland. She also worked 
on the Oakland Parental Education Program (P.E.P.), where Yvonne and 
her team trained parents through extensive workshops and training 
courses. She later returned to schools as the on-site Parent 
Coordinator for Peralta Elementary School, where she created Black 
History programs and led holiday donation drives. Yvonne considered the 
programs she implemented for kids and parents over her life to be her 
greatest accomplishments.
  Mary Yvonne Myers was thankful for her opportunity to hold leadership 
within her community. She was thankful for her family, and for the many 
roles God entrusted her with, including wife, mother, friend, and 
cousin. Yvonne Myers was the Matriarch of her family, and was proud of 
the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren, who she considered ``future world changers''. As the 
Matriarch, she was often fondly referred to as the ``Queen.'' She 
became popular on social media in her later years and ending her videos 
with ``Peace Out'' was her signature.
  With family by her side, The Queen gave her final ``Peace Out'' on 
December 11, 2023, at 5:05 p.m. Her presence will be missed but her 
spirit and influence will live on for generations to come.
  She is survived by sons Donald Scotty Young, Kenny (Kelly) Young, 
daughter Regina (Kelvin) Alexander, grandchildren Charles (Shane) 
Young, Andre Young, Brittney Young, Kelvin (Rochelle) Alexander, Keena 
Young, Rochad Young, Korey Alexander, Shaun Young, Demarcus (Shannon) 
Young, Dominik Young, one godson Antoine (Charisse) Jones. Fourteen 
great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, first cousins 
Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden, Jr., Dr. Robert Stanley Oden, Douglas Oden, Esq, 
Barbara Ann Slaughter, Fredrika Slaughter-Newton and a host of other 
cousins and friends.