R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of Mary Hahn Gray of Beaumont on August

 1-2     26, 1996, at the age of 90, brought a great loss to the many

 1-3     friends and relatives of this distinguished Texan; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Mrs. Gray's life was intertwined with Lamar

 1-5     University, for her father, Henry Achsa Hahn, helped to found its

 1-6     precursor, South Park Junior College, and she and her future

 1-7     husband, John Ellis Gray, were members of the college's first class

 1-8     when it opened its doors in 1923; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, Mrs. Gray would later devote her time and talents to

1-10     Lamar University, where her husband taught, coached, and served as

1-11     president from 1942 to 1952 and from 1972 to 1977; as first lady of

1-12     the university, she presided over many functions with grace and

1-13     dignity, and her remarkable commitment earned her the respect and

1-14     admiration of the entire community; and

1-15           WHEREAS, In recognition of the Grays' vast contributions, the

1-16     institution named its library in the couple's honor, and this

1-17     fitting tribute has served not only as a symbol of appreciation,

1-18     but as a beacon of inspiration to future generations of Texans; and

1-19           WHEREAS, Mrs. Gray further served her community both as an

1-20     educator and as a civic leader; she began her teaching career with

1-21     Cheek Elementary School and later served as a positive role model

1-22     to countless young Texans during her lengthy and rewarding tenure

1-23     with Peitzsch Elementary School; and

1-24           WHEREAS, She was involved in civic and cultural activities in

 2-1     the Beaumont community throughout her lifetime, and as a member of

 2-2     the Citizens Activities Committee, she helped to secure the passage

 2-3     of a $28 million bond package in 1974; and

 2-4           WHEREAS, In addition to her outstanding work in these areas,

 2-5     Mrs. Gray is fondly remembered by many people as a loyal friend and

 2-6     neighbor who always made time in her busy day to offer fellowship

 2-7     to others; and

 2-8           WHEREAS, Mary Gray was a woman of immense vision and strength

 2-9     who left an indelible mark on the community she was proud to call

2-10     home, and though she is gone from us now, her memory surely endures

2-11     in the hearts and minds of all who were privileged to know her;

2-12     now, therefore, be it

2-13           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-14     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Mary Hahn Gray and

2-15     extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her

2-16     beloved husband of 66 years, John Ellis Gray; to her daughter and

2-17     son-in-law, Ann and Paul Pigue; to her brother, Bently Hahn; to her

2-18     three grandchildren, John Preston, Kathleen Richardson, and Kevin

2-19     Gray Richardson; to her great-grandson, Paul Joseph Preston; and to

2-20     her many other friends and relatives; and, be it further

2-21           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-22     prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas

2-23     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of

2-24     Mary Hahn Gray.

                                                                      Stiles

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 254 was unanimously adopted by a

         rising vote of the House on March 20, 1997.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House