Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-20

HONORING MARY ALICE EDWARDS

Taxes

Context

On 2026-01-20, Representative Rudy Yakym III (R-IN-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MARY ALICE EDWARDS" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

Full Text

HONORING MARY ALICE EDWARDS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E57] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MARY ALICE EDWARDS ______ HON. RUDY YAKYM III of indiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate an incredible woman, Mary Alice Edwards, on her 90th birthday. Mary Alice was born February 1, 1936, in Trenton, Tennessee, and moved to South Bend at just six months old. She grew up on Scott Street and later helped make history when her family became the first African American homeowners on the 1400 block of Washington Street. From the start, her life has been about courage, progress, and faith. She attended Oliver Elementary and graduated from Central High School in 1954. That same year, she got married and began raising her greatest legacy: five children, three daughters and two sons. One of her sons went on to become a respected business leader in this community, which says a lot about the values Mary Alice poured into her family. Mary Alice worked hard her whole life, from Essex Wire and Wells Electronics to more than 20 years at Curtis Products, retiring in 2016 at the age of 80. She also served as PTO secretary at Linden School, always making sure kids and families were supported. Her faith has guided everything she's done. She joined Laken Chapel Primitive Baptist Church on December 31, 1964, during a night watch service, and went on to serve as assistant clerk, then clerk. For over 30 years, she has also served as clerk of the Big Creek Primitive Baptist Association, faithfully serving churches across the region. So today, Mr. Speaker, we don't just celebrate a birthday. We celebrate 90 years of faith, hard work, leadership, and love. Mary Alice's life has shaped her family, strengthened her church, and lifted this community. We thank God for her and pray for many more healthy, joyful years ahead. Happy 90th birthday. ____________________

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HONORING MARY ALICE EDWARDS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E57] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MARY ALICE EDWARDS ______ HON. RUDY YAKYM III of indiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate an incredible woman, Mary Alice Edwards, on her 90th birthday. Mary Alice was born February 1, 1936, in Trenton, Tennessee, and moved to South Bend at just six months old. She grew up on Scott Street and later helped make history when her family became the first African American homeowners on the 1400 block of Washington Street. From the start, her life has been about courage, progress, and faith. She attended Oliver Elementary and graduated from Central High School in 1954. That same year, she got married and began raising her greatest legacy: five children, three daughters and two sons. One of her sons went on to become a respected business leader in this community, which says a lot about the values Mary Alice poured into her family. Mary Alice worked hard her whole life, from Essex Wire and Wells Electronics to more than 20 years at Curtis Products, retiring in 2016 at the age of 80. She also served as PTO secretary at Linden School, always making sure kids and families were supported. Her faith has guided everything she's done. She joined Laken Chapel Primitive Baptist Church on December 31, 1964, during a night watch service, and went on to serve as assistant clerk, then clerk. For over 30 years, she has also served as clerk of the Big Creek Primitive Baptist Association, faithfully serving churches across the region. So today, Mr. Speaker, we don't just celebrate a birthday. We celebrate 90 years of faith, hard work, leadership, and love. Mary Alice's life has shaped her family, strengthened her church, and lifted this community. We thank God for her and pray for many more healthy, joyful years ahead. Happy 90th birthday. ____________________