By Stiles H.R. No. 254 75R5978 SAJ-D 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.