[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO DR. LA-DINE WILLIAMS GAMBLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2025

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Dr. La-Dine Williams Gamble, a devoted servant of God, a gifted 
musician, a tireless educator, and a beloved wife, mother, and 
grandmother. Dr. Gamble transitioned into eternal rest on Thursday, 
September 18, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, music, 
service, and scholarship that touched lives across South Carolina and 
beyond.
  Born in Lakewood, New Jersey, on February 27, 1964, to Johnny and 
Rudine Williams, La-Dine grew up in a faith-filled and education-
centered home. From an early age, she displayed remarkable musical 
talent, beginning piano studies at the age of five and later training 
at Juilliard. She excelled academically and artistically, graduating 
from Hillside High School where she was active in band, theater, and 
choir. She went on to pursue higher education at Shenandoah 
Conservatory, Seton Hall University, and Clark Atlanta University, 
where she earned her master's degree in public administration. 
Committed to lifelong learning, she completed doctoral studies in 
Christian Education at Gospel Without Borders Bible College and 
Seminary.
  Music was her lifelong ministry. Dr. Gamble served as organist, choir 
director, and soloist for churches in New Jersey, Georgia, and South 
Carolina. She was a founding member of the National Baptist Convention 
USA Choir Auxiliary, served faithfully with New Ebenezer Baptist Church 
in Florence where her husband pastored, and was inducted into the South 
Carolina Baptist E&M Convention's Music Hall of Fame. She believed that 
music was a way God spoke to her, and she shared that gift in 
sanctuaries, classrooms, and celebrations across decades.
  Dr. Gamble's professional life was equally impactful. She taught in 
higher education, guided young people through the Williamsburg County 
School District and Williamsburg Technical College, and directed grant-
writing efforts that secured a $25 million Race to the Top award. Even 
after retiring, she continued to consult with school districts and 
local governments, championing programs to improve education, 
healthcare, and opportunities for rural communities.
  Her civic and cultural service extended through many affiliations, 
including the Lions Club, the American Leadership Forum, and her 
beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Initiated into AKA in 1986, 
she served as president of two chapters, including Lambda Theta Omega 
Chapter in Kingstree, South Carolina, and exemplified the sorority's 
motto of ``service to all mankind.'' Known for her elegance and joy, 
she approached each conference, convention, and gathering with grace, 
flair, and her radiant smile.
  At the heart of her life was her family. She married Rev. Dr. Norman 
Gamble in 1993, and together they raised four children--Ti-Esha, 
Cambridge, Na-Dya, and Malcolm--instilling in them the values of faith, 
education, and service. She delighted in her role as ``Mommy La'' to 
her grandchildren, Landon and Tihler.
  Even during her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Dr. Gamble 
remained a beacon of hope. She brought joy to others with her trademark 
``fashion show'' entrances at chemotherapy treatments and inspired 
countless friends and strangers through her uplifting messages of faith 
shared online.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in remembering 
and celebrating the extraordinary life of Dr. La-Dine Williams Gamble. 
She was a woman of deep faith, boundless energy, and remarkable talent 
who gave of herself in every sphere of life. Her music, her ministry, 
and her love will live on in her family, her church, and her community 
for years to come.

                          ____________________