HONORING THE LATE MRS. GWENDOLYN MAE HEASTIE WELTERS

On 2026-07-21, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LATE MRS. GWENDOLYN MAE HEASTIE WELTERS" in the House.

HONORING THE LATE MRS. GWENDOLYN MAE HEASTIE WELTERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E723] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LATE MRS. GWENDOLYN MAE HEASTIE WELTERS ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mrs. Gwendolyn Mae Heastie Welters, an exceptional woman who has left an enduring legacy of compassion, enthusiasm, and service in her community. Mrs. Welters approached life with a community-oriented focus and a generous spirit. As an educator and an administrator with Miami-Dade County Schools, for 40 years, she touched the lives of hundreds of students and advocated tirelessly to improve Miami-Dade County's educational system and provide access to a quality education. As entrepreneurs, Mrs. Welters and her late husband Warren Welters provided employment opportunities for high school students in Miami's Brownsville community by hiring them at their family-owned business, Brownsville Pharmacy. She also encouraged the youth to give back to their communities through service. Often referred to as a petite ``little giant,'' her kind heart and passion for service was limitless and often recognized by the many organizations she was affiliated with such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she was a Golden Soror, Life Member, and past president of Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter in Miami. Mrs. Welters was a Platinum member of The Links, Incorporated, served as National Director of International Trends and Services, and was a ``Links of Gold'' Honoree for the Greater Miami Chapter in 2005. She was also an active member of the Black Archives History and Research Foundation, Inc., and a recipient of the Miami-Dade County Woman of Impact Award (2006) and the Leroy Thompson Pioneer Award by the Miami-Dade Chapter of NAACP (2007). Born April 30, 1924, Mrs. Welters grew up in the historic and culturally rich Overtown community in Miami. She earned a B.S. degree in Business Education from Florida A&M University, a master's degree from Columbia University Teachers Co]lege in New York City, and completed further graduate work at the University of Miami and Barry University. Please join me in honoring Mrs. Gwendolyn Mae Heastie Welters, posthumously, for her commitment, dedication and service to our community. ____________________