[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MARY ALICE EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUDY YAKYM III

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2026

  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate an incredible woman, Mary 
Alice Edwards, on her 90th birthday.
  Mary Alice was born February 1, 1936, in Trenton, Tennessee, and 
moved to South Bend at just six months old. She grew up on Scott Street 
and later helped make history when her family became the first African 
American homeowners on the 1400 block of Washington Street. From the 
start, her life has been about courage, progress, and faith.
  She attended Oliver Elementary and graduated from Central High School 
in 1954. That same year, she got married and began raising her greatest 
legacy: five children, three daughters and two sons. One of her sons 
went on to become a respected business leader in this community, which 
says a lot about the values Mary Alice poured into her family.
  Mary Alice worked hard her whole life, from Essex Wire and Wells 
Electronics to more than 20 years at Curtis Products, retiring in 2016 
at the age of 80. She also served as PTO secretary at Linden School, 
always making sure kids and families were supported.
  Her faith has guided everything she's done. She joined Laken Chapel 
Primitive Baptist Church on December 31, 1964, during a night watch 
service, and went on to serve as assistant clerk, then clerk. For over 
30 years, she has also served as clerk of the Big Creek Primitive 
Baptist Association, faithfully serving churches across the region.
  So today, Mr. Speaker, we don't just celebrate a birthday. We 
celebrate 90 years of faith, hard work, leadership, and love. Mary 
Alice's life has shaped her family, strengthened her church, and lifted 
this community. We thank God for her and pray for many more healthy, 
joyful years ahead.
  Happy 90th birthday.

                          ____________________