Plans to rename the Coldspring post office in memory of a slain postal carrier have taken another step forward.
On Aug. 8, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-08) came to the post office to deliver news on the progress for renaming the facility in memory of Eddie Marie Youngblood.
Youngblood was killed on May 17, 2013, while delivering mail in the Coldspring area.
Her accused killer, James Wayne Ham, is still awaiting trial, which is scheduled for November 2016.
Brady wrote the bill to have the Coldspring post office named in Youngblood’s memory.
“Under his leadership, the entire Texas delegation has come together to honor Mrs. Youngblood,” said San Jacinto County Judge John Lovett.
Brady spoke before the crowd, explaining how this is not meant to pay tribute to her death.
“Her faith, her family, her love and service to her community, that is what we’re honoring,” said Brady.
The bill is currently backed by every member of the Texas congressional delegation.
“Our next stop is to bring this legislation to the [U.S.] House of [Representatives] for a full vote,” said Brady. “It is a fitting honor for Marie, but it is also a fitting honor for this community.”
Vickie Lovings, vice president for the Texas Rural Mail Carriers, spoke on Youngblood’s behalf, telling the crowd how she was more than just a former coworker; she was family.
“We spend more time at work than we do at home a lot of times,” she said.
Youngblood’s oldest son, George Youngblood, Jr., thanked everyone for attending and for supporting his family and the bill.
“It means so much to me and my family,” he said. “She loved her community.”