Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-10-13

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF STEPHANIE FULTON SANDS

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Context

On 2026-10-13, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF STEPHANIE FULTON SANDS" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF STEPHANIE FULTON SANDS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1073] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF STEPHANIE FULTON SANDS ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Stephanie Fulton Sands, a woman of unwavering faith and dedication to her community. I include in the Record the following proclamation: Whereas, Stephanie Elaine Fulton was born on January 12, 1960, in Miami, Florida, to the late Nathan ``Big Bro'' Fulton and Marion L. Spotford. As the eldest grandchild and firstborn, she brought immense joy to her family and all who knew her; and Whereas, Stephanie was a proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, graduating from Miami Carol City Senior High School in 1978. She furthered her education at Barry University, where she earned an Associate's Degree, which fueled her professional pursuits; and Whereas, Stephanie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Carol City, where she also lent her beautiful voice as a member of the choir; and Whereas, Stephanie demonstrated remarkable professional achievements, having worked with the Department of Children and Families (HRS) and in the fields of finance and real estate. Most notably, she dedicated her life to serving as Chief of Administration for the Trayvon Martin Foundation, tirelessly working to reduce gun violence and uplift families through holistic support, S.T.E.M. education, and mentoring for women and minorities; and Whereas, Stephanie's commitment to service extended to her recent membership with Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), where she continued her passion for making a positive impact on the world; and Whereas, Stephanie's life was a testament to selflessness, kindness, and a deep commitment to her family, friends, and community. Whether through her professional work or personal relationships, she touched countless lives with her generosity and compassion, Her infectious warmth made her a beloved member of every community she was part of; and Whereas, Ms. Stephanie Fulton Sands left behind to carry on her legacy and hold on to loving memories are her two daughters, Shakisha Harris and Shantanett Sands; one son, Darion Sands; four grandchildren Keymani Harris, Oxley Christiani, III, Chrisette Christiani and Cornelius Miller, Jr.; parents, Marion and Ted Evans; siblings, Ronald Fulton, Mark Fulton, Sybrina Fulton, Yolanda Evans, and Tousha Hicks; nephews, Jahvaris Fulton and Ronquavis Fulton; aunts and uncles, Yvonne Greene (Jacob), Rhudine Wiley (Charlie), Erma President (Allen), Wadell Owens and Eleanor Owens; sister/ cousin, Penelope Samuel; past partner for over 30 years, Gregory Sands; and a host cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Nathan Fulton; great-grandmother and grandmother, Leona ``Big Mama'' Tim and Nettie ``Nana'' Spotford; aunt, Leona Johnson; and nephew, Trayvon Martin, who all welcomed her with open arms into eternity; and Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a Member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am honored to recognize the late Stephanie Fulton Sands, and extend my heartfelt sympathy. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF STEPHANIE FULTON SANDS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1073] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF STEPHANIE FULTON SANDS ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Stephanie Fulton Sands, a woman of unwavering faith and dedication to her community. I include in the Record the following proclamation: Whereas, Stephanie Elaine Fulton was born on January 12, 1960, in Miami, Florida, to the late Nathan ``Big Bro'' Fulton and Marion L. Spotford. As the eldest grandchild and firstborn, she brought immense joy to her family and all who knew her; and Whereas, Stephanie was a proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, graduating from Miami Carol City Senior High School in 1978. She furthered her education at Barry University, where she earned an Associate's Degree, which fueled her professional pursuits; and Whereas, Stephanie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Carol City, where she also lent her beautiful voice as a member of the choir; and Whereas, Stephanie demonstrated remarkable professional achievements, having worked with the Department of Children and Families (HRS) and in the fields of finance and real estate. Most notably, she dedicated her life to serving as Chief of Administration for the Trayvon Martin Foundation, tirelessly working to reduce gun violence and uplift families through holistic support, S.T.E.M. education, and mentoring for women and minorities; and Whereas, Stephanie's commitment to service extended to her recent membership with Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), where she continued her passion for making a positive impact on the world; and Whereas, Stephanie's life was a testament to selflessness, kindness, and a deep commitment to her family, friends, and community. Whether through her professional work or personal relationships, she touched countless lives with her generosity and compassion, Her infectious warmth made her a beloved member of every community she was part of; and Whereas, Ms. Stephanie Fulton Sands left behind to carry on her legacy and hold on to loving memories are her two daughters, Shakisha Harris and Shantanett Sands; one son, Darion Sands; four grandchildren Keymani Harris, Oxley Christiani, III, Chrisette Christiani and Cornelius Miller, Jr.; parents, Marion and Ted Evans; siblings, Ronald Fulton, Mark Fulton, Sybrina Fulton, Yolanda Evans, and Tousha Hicks; nephews, Jahvaris Fulton and Ronquavis Fulton; aunts and uncles, Yvonne Greene (Jacob), Rhudine Wiley (Charlie), Erma President (Allen), Wadell Owens and Eleanor Owens; sister/ cousin, Penelope Samuel; past partner for over 30 years, Gregory Sands; and a host cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Nathan Fulton; great-grandmother and grandmother, Leona ``Big Mama'' Tim and Nettie ``Nana'' Spotford; aunt, Leona Johnson; and nephew, Trayvon Martin, who all welcomed her with open arms into eternity; and Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a Member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am honored to recognize the late Stephanie Fulton Sands, and extend my heartfelt sympathy. ____________________