By McClendon H.R. No. 84 75R4851 JHS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Joyce Sowells has worked for many years in behalf of 1-2 San Antonio's black community, and her dedication and commitment 1-3 are indeed worthy of special legislative recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A San Antonio native, Mrs. Sowells was graduated 1-5 from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1942 and went on to continue 1-6 her education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1-7 where she earned a bachelor of science degree in 1946; she later 1-8 received her master's degree in health and physical education from 1-9 Our Lady of the Lake University and pursued graduate studies for 1-10 her personal edification at several of Texas' most prestigious 1-11 universities; and 1-12 WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan's career as an educator and 1-13 administrator for the San Antonio Independent School District has 1-14 established her as a genuine hero among her friends and neighbors, 1-15 and her retirement in 1987 elicited a wave of recognition from the 1-16 faculty, staff, and parents of both Cameron and Benjamin Franklin 1-17 elementary schools, as well as a proclamation from the mayor; and 1-18 WHEREAS, She has served as president, vice president, 1-19 secretary, and journalist for the Alamo City Teachers Association, 1-20 and as president of the National Councils of Negro Women; her 1-21 volunteer work includes membership on the board of the Beautify San 1-22 Antonio Association and work with the Kenwood Child Development 1-23 Center; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Mrs. Sowells' list of awards and accolades is long 2-1 and varied, and she has been honored by St. Philip's Episcopal 2-2 Church, the YWCA, the Alamo City Chamber of Commerce, and many 2-3 other professional and fraternal organizations; in 1987, this 2-4 esteemed woman was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of 2-5 Fame, and she is a lifetime member of the Texas Congress of Parents 2-6 and Teachers; and 2-7 WHEREAS, This strong-willed woman has done much to benefit 2-8 the Girl Scouts of America and is largely responsible for the 2-9 establishment of the Daisy Girl Scout program at Cameron Elementary 2-10 School; she assisted in the development of five new Girl Scout 2-11 badges, taking special interest in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 2-12 badge, which is highly prized among area scouts; and 2-13 WHEREAS, Mrs. Sowells has been happily married to J. Guy 2-14 Sowells, Jr., for more than 50 years, and their union is a constant 2-15 source of pride to the couple's family and many friends; Joyce 2-16 Sowells is truly a shining star in her community, and her light 2-17 continues to guide those who rely on her generosity, wisdom, and 2-18 compassion; now, therefore, be it 2-19 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-20 Legislature hereby honor Joyce Sowells for her outstanding service 2-21 to her community and extend to her sincere best wishes for 2-22 continued success and happiness in the future; and, be it further 2-23 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-24 prepared for Mrs. Sowells as an expression of high regard by the 2-25 Texas House of Representatives.