[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. KANG YOP PAK WAITERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 2026

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of a remarkable woman, Mrs. Kang Yop Pak Waiters, who peacefully 
transitioned on February 14, 2026, at the blessed age of ninety-one. 
While titles can describe relationships, they cannot fully capture the 
love she gave or the family she helped build. Though she was 
technically my older brother Greg's mother-in-law, in truth she became 
family to all of us. Not in-law family, but real family.
  Our families grew up together in Cut Off, Louisiana. We were friends 
long before we ever imagined our lives would be intertwined the way 
they are today. Greg met Carolyn, they fell in love, and just like 
that, what was once, friendship became something even deeper. One big 
extended family. And Mrs. Waiters stood right in there with that big 
smile.
  She was the kind of woman whose presence made people feel at home. 
Her kindness was natural. Her generosity was quiet but constant; and 
her faith anchored everything she did. Many of us felt special in her 
presence. Truth be told, I always felt like one of her favorites. I 
suspect I was not the only one who felt that way. That was simply her 
gift.
  Mrs. Waiters was born on March 11, 1934, in Kyonggido, Korea, to the 
late Nam Dak Pak and Sun-Yee Kang Cumon. From those humble beginnings 
grew a life defined by strength, grace, and an unshakable devotion to 
the people she loved. She carried with her the wisdom of her heritage 
and the warmth of a spirit that welcomed everyone who crossed her path.
  She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, James Anthony 
Waiters, Jr., who preceded her in death. Together they built a family 
that reflects the very best of love, perseverance, and commitment.
  She was a proud grandmother to Norman Randall, III and his wife Sade; 
Neal Randall; Jamar Waiters and his wife Brittney; her heavenly angel 
China Christiaan Carter; Christopher Carter; Jade Hall; India Kilgore 
and her husband John; Hennessy Brown, Jasmin Waiters; James Waiters, 
IV; Tejah Waiters; and Spencer Waiters.
  She was also blessed with a beautiful legacy of great-grandchildren 
whose lives carry her spirit forward: Baylan Randall; Liam Randall; 
Ramaj Waiters; Cayden Waiters; Carter Waiters; Marley Waiters; Larry 
Smith, III; Camron Smith, Savannah Ray Carter; Ahsan Muhammad; Kyro 
Baptiste, Miquel Kilgore; Jakiah Kilgore; Camden Kilgore; Gianna 
Kilgore; Qwest Pichon; Qace Brown; and Elias Waiters.
  Though Mrs. Waiters never measured her life by wealth, she lived 
richly in the things that truly matter. Her home was filled with 
laughter, guidance, and unconditional love. Around her table, family 
gathered to share not only meals but memories. Her kitchen reflected 
the beautiful blending of cultures that defined her life: kimchi and 
bulgogi alongside gumbo; oyster dressing; mirliton; and bread pudding. 
That table was not just where people ate. It was where family was 
strengthened.
  She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and 
her granddaughter, China Christiaan Carter, my very precious niece. Yet 
the love she poured into her children, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, and extended family ensures that her legacy will live on 
for generations.
  Mrs. Kang Yop Pak Waiters lived a life of quiet strength, deep faith, 
and extraordinary love. Her story reminds us that family is not only 
what we are born into, but what we build together through kindness, 
loyalty, and shared life.
  For my family and for so many others, she was a blessing. Her life 
was a treasure. Her memory will remain in our hearts forever. May she 
rest in eternal peace.

                          ____________________