By: Brown S.R. No. 1038
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 In Memory
1-3 of
1-4 Anita Rodeheaver
1-5 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins with the
1-6 citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of Harris County Clerk
1-7 Anita Rodeheaver who died suddenly on May 18, 1993, at the age
1-8 of 69; and
1-9 WHEREAS, Nationally known for her modernized and efficiently
1-10 run office, Anita Rodeheaver made history when she was sworn in as
1-11 the first woman county clerk in Harris County on January 1, 1979; and
1-12 WHEREAS, A native Houstonian, Mrs. Rodeheaver was born on
1-13 September 27, 1923, and attended John H. Reagan High School; she
1-14 married James H. Rodeheaver and became the devoted mother of two
1-15 daughters; and
1-16 WHEREAS, The steadfast Democrat is remembered by both
1-17 Democrats and Republicans for her tenacity and hard work; as
1-18 county clerk she was responsible for maintaining a burdensome
1-19 filing system for county records and overseeing elections in the
1-20 most populated county in the state; and
1-21 WHEREAS, She earned a reputation for being accessible and
1-22 responsive to the media, the public, and elected officials; and
1-23 WHEREAS, Respected for her forthrightness, saltiness, and
2-1 ability to get along well with people, Mrs. Rodeheaver was a
2-2 strong ally and a good friend to many; and
2-3 WHEREAS, Anita Rodeheaver was active in numerous
2-4 organizations that were dedicated to the betterment of Houston
2-5 and Harris County including the Greater Heights Area Chamber of
2-6 Commerce and the Board of Trustees of Foundry United Methodist
2-7 Church and served on the Advisory Panel of the Federal Elections
2-8 Commission; and
2-9 WHEREAS, Named County Clerk of the Year by the
2-10 County and District Clerk's Association of Texas in 1989,
2-11 Mrs. Rodeheaver was the recipient of many honors; she received
2-12 the "Outstanding Achievement Award" from the Ethel Ransom Art and
2-13 Literary Club of Houston and was the "First Lady of the Year" of
2-14 Beta Sigma Phi, Houston City Council for 1981-1982; and
2-15 WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodeheaver was considered the foremost
2-16 authority on holding elections in the state and was appointed
2-17 by Lieutenant Governor Hobby during the 1985 Legislative Session
2-18 to a Senate Committee to recodify the Texas Election Code, which
2-19 was enacted into law; and
2-20 WHEREAS, Although she will be deeply missed by all who
2-21 knew and respected her for her fairness and her accomplishments,
2-22 she will be remembered for her full and productive life; now,
2-23 therefore, be it
2-24 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-25 73rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to her
3-1 bereaved family: her husband, James; and her two daughters,
3-2 four grandchildren, and great-grandchild; and, be it further
3-3 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
3-4 the members of her family as an expression of deepest sympathy
3-5 from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day,
3-6 it do so in memory of Anita Rodeheaver.
3-7 _____________________________________
3-8 President of the Senate
3-9 I hereby certify that the
3-10 above Resolution was adopted by
3-11 the Senate on May 24, 1993,
3-12 by a rising vote.
3-13 _____________________________________
3-14 Secretary of the Senate
3-15 _____________________________________
3-16 Member, Texas Senate