HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. KANG YOP PAK WAITERS

HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. KANG YOP PAK WAITERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E191] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. KANG YOP PAK WAITERS ______ HON. TROY A. CARTER of louisiana in the house of representatives Thursday, March 5, 2026 Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable woman, Mrs. Kang Yop Pak Waiters, who peacefully transitioned on February 14, 2026, at the blessed age of ninety-one. While titles can describe relationships, they cannot fully capture the love she gave or the family she helped build. Though she was technically my older brother Greg's mother-in-law, in truth she became family to all of us. Not in-law family, but real family. Our families grew up together in Cut Off, Louisiana. We were friends long before we ever imagined our lives would be intertwined the way they are today. Greg met Carolyn, they fell in love, and just like that, what was once, friendship became something even deeper. One big extended family. And Mrs. Waiters stood right in there with that big smile. She was the kind of woman whose presence made people feel at home. Her kindness was natural. Her generosity was quiet but constant; and her faith anchored everything she did. Many of us felt special in her presence. Truth be told, I always felt like one of her favorites. I suspect I was not the only one who felt that way. That was simply her gift. Mrs. Waiters was born on March 11, 1934, in Kyonggido, Korea, to the late Nam Dak Pak and Sun-Yee Kang Cumon. From those humble beginnings grew a life defined by strength, grace, and an unshakable devotion to the people she loved. She carried with her the wisdom of her heritage and the warmth of a spirit that welcomed everyone who crossed her path. She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, James Anthony Waiters, Jr., who preceded her in death. Together they built a family that reflects the very best of love, perseverance, and commitment. She was a proud grandmother to Norman Randall, III and his wife Sade; Neal Randall; Jamar Waiters and his wife Brittney; her heavenly angel China Christiaan Carter; Christopher Carter; Jade Hall; India Kilgore and her husband John; Hennessy Brown, Jasmin Waiters; James Waiters, IV; Tejah Waiters; and Spencer Waiters. She was also blessed with a beautiful legacy of great-grandchildren whose lives carry her spirit forward: Baylan Randall; Liam Randall; Ramaj Waiters; Cayden Waiters; Carter Waiters; Marley Waiters; Larry Smith, III; Camron Smith, Savannah Ray Carter; Ahsan Muhammad; Kyro Baptiste, Miquel Kilgore; Jakiah Kilgore; Camden Kilgore; Gianna Kilgore; Qwest Pichon; Qace Brown; and Elias Waiters. Though Mrs. Waiters never measured her life by wealth, she lived richly in the things that truly matter. Her home was filled with laughter, guidance, and unconditional love. Around her table, family gathered to share not only meals but memories. Her kitchen reflected the beautiful blending of cultures that defined her life: kimchi and bulgogi alongside gumbo; oyster dressing; mirliton; and bread pudding. That table was not just where people ate. It was where family was strengthened. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her granddaughter, China Christiaan Carter, my very precious niece. Yet the love she poured into her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and extended family ensures that her legacy will live on for generations. Mrs. Kang Yop Pak Waiters lived a life of quiet strength, deep faith, and extraordinary love. Her story reminds us that family is not only what we are born into, but what we build together through kindness, loyalty, and shared life. For my family and for so many others, she was a blessing. Her life was a treasure. Her memory will remain in our hearts forever. May she rest in eternal peace. ____________________