[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 11207-11208]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING VIRGINIA INGRAM

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2014

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent who 
is an inspiration to many Brooklynites and New Yorkers. This Saturday, 
Virginia Ingram will turn 100 years old, an impressive feat that 
deserves our recognition and celebration.
  Virginia Ingram was born on June 27, 1914 in Lynchburg, VA. The fifth 
child born to Charles and Alda Wilson, Virginia was raised on a large 
farm with her siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. Growing up in a 
relatively rural area during the early 20th century, she's been known 
to tell stories related to her love of the outdoors. As a young woman, 
Mrs. Ingram would often accompany her father on a horse and buggy to 
chop wood for the fire.
  Like so many others of her generation, Mrs. Ingram eventually 
migrated from the south to a northern city--New York. Coming to New 
York in 1930, she began a career working various seamstress jobs. 
Notably, during World War II, she helped make Mae West Jackets, the 
floatation devices that saved the lives of American fighter pilots.
  After the war, in 1946, she met and married the late Lacey C. Ingram. 
Virginia and Lacey moved to the Red Hook projects at 811 Hicks Street 
in 1951. Together, they had two children and two stepdaughters. Today, 
she enjoys seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who have 
further enriched her life.
  Eventually, Mrs. Ingram moved to 80 Dwight Street, where she has been 
a Red Hook resident for over 60 years. It was there that she met the 
late Reverend and Mrs. McBride, founders of New Brown Memorial Baptist 
Church. A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Ingram was one of the original 
parishioners at the church. In the early days, Sunday Service was held 
in Rev. McBride's apartment. Sunday School was held in various church 
members' apartments. Mrs. Ingram has loving memories of those years and 
everyone who helped build the church.
  In 1979, Mrs. Ingram went to Bible School, later becoming a 
Missionary. With the support and blessing of the late Rev. Truitte, she 
remained dedicated to this calling. She was a missionary for many 
years, working alongside many dynamic women before serving under 
Reverend Reid as a Deaconess.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Ingram's story is an impressive one--and the local 
community of Red Hook is a richer place because of her many kind 
contributions. I would ask my colleagues to join me in saluting her on 
the advent of her 100th birthday and wishing her many blessings.

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