By: Ellis S.R. No. 14 1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-3 In Memory 1-4 of 1-5 Josephine Radford Edwards 1-6 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the 1-7 citizens of Houston and Harris County in mourning the loss of 1-8 Josephine Radford Edwards, who died on January 12, 1997, at the 1-9 age of 86; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Born in Polk County, she was in the first graduating 1-11 class of Jack Yates High School in Houston; and 1-12 WHEREAS, A dedicated wife and mother, Mrs. Edwards had 15 1-13 children and instilled in each one the highest ethical and moral 1-14 standards; she taught them to follow the golden rule in all their 1-15 dealings with others; and 1-16 WHEREAS, A woman of deep religious convictions, she was a 1-17 beloved and active member of Saint Luke's Missionary Baptist Church 1-18 of Houston; her son, Reverend E. L. Edwards, Jr., was the pastor, 1-19 and she was a great evangelist and served on the Mission Board; and 1-20 WHEREAS, A strong believer in education and economic 1-21 development, this indomitable woman required her children to 1-22 graduate from high school and college; some continued to pursue 1-23 graduate degrees; and 2-1 WHEREAS, A social and political activist, she imparted to 2-2 her family, neighbors, and friends a great respect for voting 2-3 rights, being a registered voter, and being active in community 2-4 organizations; and 2-5 WHEREAS, One of her community's greatest assets, Mrs. Edwards 2-6 provided knowledgeable leadership and contributed a great deal to 2-7 Trinity Gardens; and 2-8 WHEREAS, A talented woman of many accomplishments, 2-9 Mrs. Edwards was hardworking, ingenious, and charming; and 2-10 WHEREAS, A respected and beloved member of her community, 2-11 city, and state, she will be remembered for her leadership, 2-12 generosity of spirit, love of family, and zest for life; now, 2-13 therefore, be it 2-14 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-15 75th Legislature, hereby honor the life of Josephine Radford Edwards 2-16 and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: her 2-17 daughters, Elrine Henson, Josephine Lyles, and Mary Bonham; her 2-18 sons, Phillip Edwards, Reverend E. L. Edwards, Jr., 2-19 Texas State Representative Al Edwards, Reverend Alfred Edwards, 2-20 Reverend Earl Edwards, Reddick Edwards, David Edwards, and 2-21 Paul Edwards; and her sisters, Mary Thomas, Hattie Turner, 2-22 Espanola McGruder, Juanita Poche, Gladys Lorine Radford, and 2-23 Myrteal Howard; and, be it further 2-24 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 2-25 the members of her family as an expression of deepest sympathy 3-1 from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 3-2 day, it do so in memory of Josephine Radford Edwards. 3-3 ______________________________________ 3-4 President of the Senate 3-5 I hereby certify that the above 3-6 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-7 on January 21, 1997, by a rising vote. 3-8 ______________________________________ 3-9 Secretary of the Senate 3-10 ______________________________________ 3-11 Member, Texas Senate