[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E671-E672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO MRS. ORA B. BENDROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2026

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor one of South Florida's most beloved citizens, the late Mrs. Ora 
B. Bendross, who was affectionately known by many as ``Nana.''
  Mrs. Bendross was known throughout the Miami-Dade County community as 
the lady with an enormous heart, who never ever met a stranger. Many in 
the South Florida community have experienced her kindness and 
generosity, and her home, became a refuge for some of today's most 
well-known community leaders. Those who knew her best will remember her 
open invitation to ``stop by and have dinner with my family.''

[[Page E672]]

  Mrs. Bendross adored her children and taught each of them the 
importance of an education.
  As a dedicated member of the Historic Mount Zion Missionary Baptist 
Church and later Bible Missionary Baptist Church, she served on several 
missionary boards, sang in the choir, served on an usher board and was 
fully committed to serving the Lord.
  Mrs. Bendross is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Mr. 
Willie J. Bendross, and three of her seven children; Donald Bendross, 
Dallas Bendross and Joyce Bendross Forchion. She leaves to carry on her 
legacy her children; Pinnie (Patricia) Bendross, James Bendross, Dr. 
Dorothy Bendross Mindingall, Bennie (Yvonne) Bendross and a host of 
grandchildren, great-great and great-great-great grandchildren.
  Please join me in honoring the late Mrs. Ora B. Bendross for her 
unwavering faith and commitment to her family and her community.

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