By:  Counts                                            H.R. No. 320
       73R5088 SAJ-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The death of Marilyn Keaton Newsom on December 26,
    1-2  1992, has brought a great loss to the many friends and relatives of
    1-3  this distinguished West Texas civic and community leader; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, The daughter of Herbert G. and Martha Keaton,
    1-5  Mrs. Newsom was a native and longtime resident of Big Spring and a
    1-6  graduate of Tarleton State University and the Harris College of
    1-7  Nursing at Texas Christian University; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, Known throughout the community as the co-owner of
    1-9  Newsom Food Stores in Big Spring and Lamesa, she enjoyed a
   1-10  successful professional career, displaying her acumen and industry
   1-11  in the management of private business interests; and
   1-12        WHEREAS, A deeply religious woman, she was a board director
   1-13  and devout lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church;
   1-14  serving her church in a variety of ways, she joined the church's
   1-15  choir at age 10 and earned prominence for her vocal abilities,
   1-16  delighting the congregation for many years with her outstanding
   1-17  performances at the church's Living Christmas Tree event; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, Mrs. Newsom distinguished herself as an exceptional
   1-19  musician; nurturing a love for music that continued as a high
   1-20  school band member and as a performer in the Dallas Starlight Opera
   1-21  Series, she was twice featured with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
   1-22  and sang with the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale for six
   1-23  years; and
   1-24        WHEREAS, Thoroughly committed to the betterment of others,
    2-1  she contributed time, talent, and energy as a volunteer with the
    2-2  Big Spring State Hospital, where she served as president of its
    2-3  volunteer association, raised money for the patients' Christmas
    2-4  fund, and entertained patients, their families, and friends with
    2-5  musical renditions; in recognition of the countless contributions
    2-6  she made to the hospital, Mrs. Newsom was honored as Volunteer of
    2-7  the Year; and
    2-8        WHEREAS, A woman of boundless energies, she made lasting
    2-9  contributions to the community as a board member of a number of
   2-10  worthy organizations, including the United Way of Big Spring/Howard
   2-11  County, the YMCA, and the Canterbury Retirement Center; and
   2-12        WHEREAS, In addition, Mrs. Newsom contributed skill,
   2-13  commitment, and unflagging enthusiasm as an active member of the
   2-14  1948 Hyperian Club, the Blue Blazers, and the Ladies Duplicate
   2-15  Bridge Association; in recognition of her expertise, she was
   2-16  awarded the Life Master Award from the American Contract Bridge
   2-17  League; and
   2-18        WHEREAS, A devoted wife and mother of two sons, she was
   2-19  vitally committed to the youth of her community and capably served
   2-20  as a member of the PTA and also was involved in the Little League
   2-21  and Amateur and Teenage Baseball; and
   2-22        WHEREAS, In recognition of the many significant contributions
   2-23  she made to her West Texas community, Mrs. Newsom was honored as
   2-24  Woman of the Year by the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce in
   2-25  1990; and
   2-26        WHEREAS, Mrs. Newsom was a woman of great vision who
   2-27  dedicated much of her life to serving the needs of her community;
    3-1  though her special presence will be missed by all who knew her, her
    3-2  spirit will surely live on in the hearts and minds of the many
    3-3  people whose lives were touched by this exceptional lady; now,
    3-4  therefore, be it
    3-5        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
    3-6  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Marilyn Keaton Newsom
    3-7  and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family:  to her
    3-8  devoted husband of 43 years, Don Newsom; to her two sons, Kent
    3-9  Newsom and Dr. Gary Newsom; to her sister Margy Ledbetter; to her
   3-10  two grandchildren; to her four aunts; and to the other members of
   3-11  her family; and, be it further
   3-12        RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
   3-13  for the members of her family and that when the Texas House of
   3-14  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Marilyn
   3-15  Keaton Newsom.