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