By Gallego H.R. No. 94 75R4480 EFD-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The family and many friends of Oma Jean Mitchell 1-2 Faulkenberry were deeply saddened by her passing on May 6, 1996, 1-3 and the members of this chamber join the Faulkenberry family and 1-4 the Fort Stockton and Brackettville communities in bidding a 1-5 reluctant farewell to this extraordinary woman; and 1-6 WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Fort Stockton, 1-7 Mrs. Faulkenberry enjoyed a rewarding 29-year career with the Fort 1-8 Stockton Independent School District, during which time she also 1-9 served with distinction in several professional organizations; she 1-10 was a member and president of both the Texas Educational 1-11 Secretary's Association and the South Central Chapter of the 1-12 National Association of Education Office Personnel; and 1-13 WHEREAS, An active member of her local congregation, she 1-14 served her church well by taking on key leadership positions, 1-15 including Sunday School Director and President of the Women's 1-16 Missionary Union; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Drawing strength and fulfillment not only from her 1-18 family, faith, and career, but also from her civic involvement, 1-19 Mrs. Faulkenberry greatly enjoyed her involvement in the Masonic 1-20 community; she participated in the Order of the Eastern Star for 1-21 more than 40 years, holding that organization's highest position of 1-22 Worthy Matron three times, and served as Mother Advisor for the 1-23 Order of the Rainbow for girls; and 1-24 WHEREAS, In addition to her work and community involvement, 2-1 Mrs. Faulkenberry continued to pursue her education, earning an 2-2 associate of science degree from Midland College in 1979; on her 2-3 retirement in 1988, she and her beloved husband Tom moved from Fort 2-4 Stockton to Brackettville, and, continuing her lifelong dedication 2-5 to community service and involvement, Mrs. Faulkenberry became a 2-6 member of numerous organizations, including the local arts society, 2-7 the Fort Clark Historical Society, the Kinney County Democratic 2-8 Party, and the Kinney County Chamber of Commerce, as well as 2-9 serving as the editor of the local paper, The Brackett News; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Because of her exceptional devotion and commitment 2-11 to her family, neighbors, and community, Mrs. Faulkenberry's many 2-12 contributions will not be forgotten; she was a valued member of 2-13 each community in which she resided, and although her presence is 2-14 gone, her unique spirit will live on in the hearts of the many 2-15 people whose lives she touched; now, therefore, be it 2-16 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-17 Legislature hereby honor the memory of Oma Jean Mitchell 2-18 Faulkenberry and extend sincere condolences to the members of her 2-19 family: to her husband, Tom Faulkenberry; to her children, Ronald, 2-20 Richard, Joyce, and Thomas; to her grandchildren; and to all the 2-21 relatives and many friends of this beloved woman; and, be it 2-22 further 2-23 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-24 prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas 2-25 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-26 Oma Jean Mitchell Faulkenberry.