REMEMBERING VERA BENESBY JORDAN

On 2026-07-14, Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING VERA BENESBY JORDAN" in the Senate.

REMEMBERING VERA BENESBY JORDAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING VERA BENESBY JORDAN Mrs. BRITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an exceptional Alabamian, Ms. Vera Benesby Jordan. Vera was an incredible woman--a true steward of the Lord, a generous public servant, a deeply loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and someone I was proud to know. A lifelong resident of Montgomery, Vera was born on December 13, 1971, to parents Richard S. Jordan, Jr., and Viola Howze Jordan. From an early age, Vera was an involved and gifted student, excelling both academically and in her extracurricular activities, later earning her induction into the Lee High School Hall of Fame. Her enthusiasm for pouring her time and talents into her campus community continued at Spelman College, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and minor in secondary education. There, she held no shortage of leadership positions in student government, Kappa Delta Epsilon, the Morehouse Maroon Tigers Cheer Team, Mortar Board, and several other campus clubs. Vera also served as the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Pi Chapter and remained an active life member in the Beta Nu Omega Chapter. She furthered her higher education at both the University of Pennsylvania and Auburn University of Montgomery where she earned master's degrees. For Vera, education was a lifelong pursuit and she always embraced the opportunity to learn. Her involvement at these universities was just the beginning of how she would positively impact those around her across the great State of Alabama. For 15 years, Vera served as a congressional field representative for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. I had the privilege of working alongside Vera for several of those years, where we supported Senator Shelby in his efforts to strengthen both Alabama and our Nation. It was an honor to witness her incredible ability to connect with Alabamians, work through issues, and deliver for our State. By the time she retired in 2021, Vera was beloved and well-respected by her colleagues and the people of Alabama. Beyond serving her State through her professional career, Vera was also an active volunteer throughout the Montgomery community. From her role as the president of the Montgomery (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, to supporting Habitat for Humanity, to serving on the Metro YMCA Board and so much more, Vera devoted her free time to uplifting, strengthening, and advocating for those around her. She was a shining example of a true servant leader. Vera's most important calling was to live a life of great faith. As a fifth-generation member of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Vera's devotion to the Lord was the foundation of her life. Every choice she made was rooted in her trust in God and in every action she took, she sought to spread His love. She touched countless lives through her deep faith in the Lord, and while her earthly journey has come to an end, I am encouraged that her Heavenly one has just begun. While Vera's legacy of public service is unmistakably woven throughout the Montgomery community, her spirit will truly live on through her pride and joy; her family and friends. Vera treasured her relationships with her mother; sisters Sharon V. Jordan, LaFreeda M. Jordan, and Richele Jordan-Davis; nephews Richard Davis, Nyles Davis, and Bray Davis; and brother-in-law Daryl Davis. She loved her family deeply and offered them wisdom, and encouragement whenever possible. Vera also worked to cultivate lifelong friendships and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and support. As we mourn this devastating loss to the Montgomery community, I pray that Vera's loved ones find peace in knowing how profoundly she impacted and bettered those around her. She was truly one of a kind, a leader with a servant's heart, steadfast faith in the Lord, and a remarkable ability to create meaningful change. Vera will be greatly missed. I am honored to share her story and help celebrate the memory of an extraordinary woman. ____________________