[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF LEE VANOY

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                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 15, 2026

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a very happy 
80th birthday to my dear friend, Lee Vanoy. Lee McMickens Vanoy was 
born on April 9, 1946, in rural Mississippi. She and her sister Ann 
were soon adopted by Horace and Polly McMickens of Bessemer, Alabama. 
She and her childhood friend Ramona enjoyed piano lessons, tea parties 
and trips to the beauty parlor. Now they still enjoy trips to Florida 
beaches and spa days.
  On August 26, 1965, she married Jim Vanoy in Bessemer, Alabama and 
was blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren: her sons, Van 
(Deanne) and Ben (Mieka); and her grandchildren, Courtney (Schylar 
McBride), Taylor, Blake and Alex.
  Lee spent most of her career working as administrative assistant 
beginning at BellSouth in Bessemer and then at various churches in 
Opelika, Alabama, but her greatest joy was being a wife and mother. She 
has also been a cherished member of my district staff for over 20 
years. Aunt Lee, as she is called by her many nieces/nephews, great 
nieces/nephews, and even great-great nieces/nephews, is known for her 
big heart and the dressing she makes for Thanksgiving at the old Vanoy 
home place in Vance, Alabama.
  Jim and Lee moved to Opelika in 1970 and call Opelika home. They like 
being close to Auburn University and enjoy football games, baseball 
games, and all alumni activities. Lee has served as a member, 
secretary, and chairman of the Lee County Republican Executive 
committee for many years. She is also involved in many Republican and 
social clubs in and around East Alabama. Lee also enjoys hosting 
receptions for political candidates in her home.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Lee a very happy 80th 
birthday.

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