[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E79]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING VERA WADDLE FINLEY'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2025

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Vera 
Waddle Finley, an amazing person who will be celebrating her 100th 
birthday on February 5, 2025. It is my distinct honor to pay tribute to 
Ms. Finley on this joyous occasion and to highlight the extraordinary 
life that endears her to so many in the community. Born to Pearl 
Porterfield Waddle and Albert Norberth Waddle in Forman, Arkansas, she 
grew up in a family with five older siblings: Herley, Haskell, Marilla, 
Marilene and Aaron. In 1927, the Finley family moved to Ardmore, 
Oklahoma following the devastating loss of their mother, Pearl.
  Vera, a high school graduate, has always been eager to learn more and 
has had a strong desire for knowledge, particularly in the field of 
business. While she initially devoted her time to being a homemaker, 
she later worked at Hansen Textile once her children were older. Vera 
finished out her career at Merck, Sharp and Dohme where she spent over 
35 years as a Confidential Secretary using her fluency in typing and 
shorthand daily.
  Vera met the love of her life, United States Army Air Corps Gunner 
Louis Franklin Finley, Jr. in 1943 as the pair danced the polka. The 
following Spring, the pair married and relocated to Hatfield, 
Pennsylvania. Throughout their 40 years together, the pair never missed 
a chance to share a dance. Together they raised four children--
Rockwell, Tanya, Ronald and Debra--who each went on to marry Brenda, 
Eddie, Barbara and Robert, respectively. If you ask any of her 
children, they will say that she was an excellent homemaker, gardener 
and cook.
  Aside from her children, Vera has 10 grandchildren and 14 great-
grandchildren. She enjoys conversing with others and listening to 
music. She is an active member of the Montgomery Baptist Church in 
Colmar, Pennsylvania where she remains the oldest member.
  As we celebrate her 100 years of life, we are extremely grateful for 
the positive impact she has had on her children, her family and all 
those who know her. She always sports a smile and loving heart.

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