[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25460]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO LYDIA PATRICIA IRBY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 24, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lydia Patricia Irby for 
her spiritual leadership and varied efforts to strengthen the 
community.
  Lydia Patricia Irby was born on December 11, 1952. She has been 
married 26 years to Minister Willie H. Irby and is the proud mom of her 
``royal court,'' 3 beautiful princesses, Kiwana Yiesha Simon-Garcia, 
Nikkia Latanya George-Caquias, Kristina Dawn Irby and one handsome 
prince, Adam Benjamin Irby. She is also proud of her grandchildren, the 
lovely Jordan Lydia Garcia, and her handsome grandsons Taiwan Michael 
Simon, Christopher Todd Caquias, and Jeremiah Justin Caquias. They are 
``the sweetest sugars in her life''.
  Lydia answered the call of God upon her life 27 years ago, when she 
was filled with the Holy Spirit and called into the ministry of 
Missionary and Evangelist. She has carried the word of the Lord 
throughout these United States, Canada, and Jamaica. She is a faithful 
member of Brooklyn Miracle Temple under the anointed leadership of 
Pastor Jimmy Talton and Lady Daisy Talton. The ``Voice of God'' and the 
BMT experience have brought her to another level of ministry. Lydia and 
her husband are the visionaries for a thriving clothing and food 
ministry, which meets the needs of people in the community.
  Lydia is a very industrious woman, ``true to her biblical name.'' She 
is an international millinery designer, a parent coordinator, conflict 
resolution specialist, and coordinator of student activities at the 
Brooklyn High School of the Arts. She has worked in successful 
partnerships with Principal Robert Finly for the past five years.
  She also has a diverse educational and occupational background and 
training including work as a licensed stockbroker for 12 years through 
the New York State Institute of Finance, seven years in licensed real 
estate management in the City of New York, certification in conflict 
resolution and mediation at Long Island University and successful 
completion of academic requirements as a Bible teacher at The Total 
Truth Institute. However, when is its all said and done Lydia's 
heartfelt desire is simply to live a life that is pleasing and 
acceptable to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her motto is: ``I will 
leave the life of everything and everybody that I touch better than 
when I found it.''
  Mr. Speaker, Lydia Patricia Irby has been a leader in our community 
through her spiritual leadership and civic participation to improve the 
quality of life in Brooklyn. As such, she is more than worthy of 
receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this truly remarkable person.

                          ____________________