[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S3933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING VERA BENESBY JORDAN

 Mrs. BRITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of an exceptional Alabamian, Ms. Vera Benesby Jordan. Vera was 
an incredible woman--a true steward of the Lord, a generous public 
servant, a deeply loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and 
someone I was proud to know.
  A lifelong resident of Montgomery, Vera was born on December 13, 
1971, to parents Richard S. Jordan, Jr., and Viola Howze Jordan. From 
an early age, Vera was an involved and gifted student, excelling both 
academically and in her extracurricular activities, later earning her 
induction into the Lee High School Hall of Fame.
  Her enthusiasm for pouring her time and talents into her campus 
community continued at Spelman College, where she earned a bachelor of 
arts degree in history and minor in secondary education. There, she 
held no shortage of leadership positions in student government, Kappa 
Delta Epsilon, the Morehouse Maroon Tigers Cheer Team, Mortar Board, 
and several other campus clubs. Vera also served as the president of 
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Pi Chapter and remained an 
active life member in the Beta Nu Omega Chapter. She furthered her 
higher education at both the University of Pennsylvania and Auburn 
University of Montgomery where she earned master's degrees. For Vera, 
education was a lifelong pursuit and she always embraced the 
opportunity to learn.
  Her involvement at these universities was just the beginning of how 
she would positively impact those around her across the great State of 
Alabama. For 15 years, Vera served as a congressional field 
representative for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. I had the privilege of 
working alongside Vera for several of those years, where we supported 
Senator Shelby in his efforts to strengthen both Alabama and our 
Nation. It was an honor to witness her incredible ability to connect 
with Alabamians, work through issues, and deliver for our State. By the 
time she retired in 2021, Vera was beloved and well-respected by her 
colleagues and the people of Alabama.
  Beyond serving her State through her professional career, Vera was 
also an active volunteer throughout the Montgomery community. From her 
role as the president of the Montgomery (AL) Chapter of The Links, 
Incorporated, to supporting Habitat for Humanity, to serving on the 
Metro YMCA Board and so much more, Vera devoted her free time to 
uplifting, strengthening, and advocating for those around her. She was 
a shining example of a true servant leader.
  Vera's most important calling was to live a life of great faith. As a 
fifth-generation member of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, 
Vera's devotion to the Lord was the foundation of her life. Every 
choice she made was rooted in her trust in God and in every action she 
took, she sought to spread His love. She touched countless lives 
through her deep faith in the Lord, and while her earthly journey has 
come to an end, I am encouraged that her Heavenly one has just begun.
  While Vera's legacy of public service is unmistakably woven 
throughout the Montgomery community, her spirit will truly live on 
through her pride and joy; her family and friends. Vera treasured her 
relationships with her mother; sisters Sharon V. Jordan, LaFreeda M. 
Jordan, and Richele Jordan-Davis; nephews Richard Davis, Nyles Davis, 
and Bray Davis; and brother-in-law Daryl Davis. She loved her family 
deeply and offered them wisdom, and encouragement whenever possible. 
Vera also worked to cultivate lifelong friendships and will be 
remembered for her warmth, kindness, and support.
  As we mourn this devastating loss to the Montgomery community, I pray 
that Vera's loved ones find peace in knowing how profoundly she 
impacted and bettered those around her. She was truly one of a kind, a 
leader with a servant's heart, steadfast faith in the Lord, and a 
remarkable ability to create meaningful change. Vera will be greatly 
missed. I am honored to share her story and help celebrate the memory 
of an extraordinary woman.

                          ____________________