By Place H.R. No. 861 75R13960 SAJ-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Helen Graves on March 5, 1997, at the 1-2 age of 90, has brought a great loss to the family and many friends 1-3 of this beloved lady; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Oglesby, Mrs. Graves was born 1-5 May 14, 1906, to James and Ollie Everett, Sr., and she earned a 1-6 teaching certificate from Baylor University; she wed Rannel Houston 1-7 Graves on July 5, 1931, and the couple nurtured a deeply fulfilling 1-8 union that spanned 54 years until his passing; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Mrs. Graves will be fondly remembered for her 1-10 appreciation for the performing arts; she taught music in the 1-11 Ireland school system before embarking on a lengthy career as a 1-12 piano and voice teacher in the Oglesby schools; and 1-13 WHEREAS, She maintained an abiding commitment to her hometown 1-14 through her involvement in several local organizations; a valued 1-15 member of both the Post Oak Cemetery Association and the Oglesby 1-16 Senior Citizen Group, she earned distinction as the first woman 1-17 member and president of the Oglesby Lion's Club, where she 1-18 graciously entertained her many friends with her lovely piano 1-19 playing; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In all her endeavors, she was sustained by her faith 1-21 as a devout member of First United Methodist Church of Oglesby, 1-22 where she taught Sunday school and was an organist; she further 1-23 served her denomination in leadership capacities with the United 1-24 Methodist Women's group, and she was named outstanding lay person 2-1 in her local church by the District Laity Banquet of the United 2-2 Methodist Church in 1996; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Helen Graves touched the lives of many people during 2-4 her years on this earth, and though her special presence will be 2-5 deeply missed, her memory will long endure in the hearts and minds 2-6 of all who knew and loved her; now, therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-8 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Helen Graves and 2-9 extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her 2-10 sisters, Dawn Barrens, Doris Sullins, and Violet Vandiver; to her 2-11 brother, James Everett, Jr.; and to the many other friends and 2-12 relatives of this fine Texan; and, be it further 2-13 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-14 prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas 2-15 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-16 Helen Graves.