[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15735-15736]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE SERVICE OF RUTH RILEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2017

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ms. Ruth 
Riley, who served as my district scheduler for 16 years.
  It is hard to believe how quickly time passes, and throughout the 
years Ruth remains consistent and constant with a warmth and grace, 
which endears her to all. A daughter of Ohio and a proud political 
science graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Ms. Riley moved to 
Atlanta to pursue a promising career in the private sector. In 2001, I 
invited her to join my Atlanta staff in the trusted position of serving 
as the district scheduler.
  As you well know, Mr. Speaker, scheduling is one of the most 
challenging and key positions in any congressional office. This is 
especially true in Georgia's diverse and vibrant Fifth Congressional 
District. Every year, Ms. Riley works with me to review thousands of 
requests. In fact, there are more invitations for speeches, visits, and 
tours in Georgia's Fifth Congressional District and the State of 
Georgia, than there are days in the year. It is never-ending work.
  Within our office, Ruth plays a critical role through a brand and 
perspective that is uniquely her own. As a result, many staff seek her 
counsel and comfort on difficult days. We all appreciate Ruth's 
vibrant, work-life balance and love of life and art. Many know her 
appreciation of photography as a shutterbug enthusiast, passion for 
beauty as a licensed esthetician, and commitment to service through the 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  I know Ms. Riley's family and friends play a critical role in 
supporting and shaping this dynamic woman, and I personally believe the 
cherished memories of Ruth's beloved grandmother, Ms. V. Blondell 
Pryor, contribute to her work ethic and kindness. For these reasons, 
Mr. Speaker, I am particularly grateful to her family--especially her 
husband, James Preston Riley, Jr.; beautiful children--James Heru 
Thornton Riley, III, David Nkosi Erskine Riley, II, and Langston Amon 
Pryor Riley; and mother--Sandra Elizabeth Fletcher.
  Perhaps most importantly, Ms. Riley is a constant champion and 
advocate for each and every person; she treats everyone with a distinct 
professionalism, courtesy, and compassion, which reflect her corporate 
experience and commitment to the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr.'s vision of the Beloved Community. Ruth remains committed to 
protecting the principles of democracy and ensuring the access of the 
people to their elected representative.

[[Page 15736]]

  It is for these reasons that I thank Ms. Ruth Riley for her trust, 
service, and commitment to my office and the people we serve.

                          ____________________