R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, An 85th birthday is truly a cause for a celebration, 1-2 and on February 16, 1999, Florence Maurine "Billie" Prescott Fowler 1-3 will observe one such significant milestone in her life; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born on February 16, 1914, in Dundee, Archer County, 1-5 Mrs. Fowler was affectionately nicknamed "Billie" by her parents; 1-6 she graduated with honors from Dundee High School and later 1-7 attended Draughn's Business College in Wichita Falls; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Mrs. Fowler married John William "Bill" Fowler of 1-9 Wichita Falls on April 15, 1933; the couple moved to Floydada in 1-10 the Panhandle where they operated a farm for 17 years, surmounting 1-11 the harsh challenges of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl; in 1-12 1950 they relocated to Odessa to begin a new venture in the 1-13 oilfield equipment business, remaining in Odessa for almost five 1-14 decades; and 1-15 WHEREAS, With her husband, Mrs. Fowler enjoyed a long and 1-16 loving relationship until Mr. Fowler's passing in 1992; they were 1-17 active members of Bethany Christian Church and were blessed with 1-18 three children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; 1-19 and 1-20 WHEREAS, A West Texan her entire life, Mrs. Fowler 1-21 exemplifies the virtues and the values of this region; she is known 1-22 for her industry, honesty, strong spiritual belief, zest for life, 1-23 civic pride, a caring, generous spirit, and great enthusiasm for 1-24 bass fishing on the major lakes of Texas and Mexico; and 2-1 WHEREAS, For 85 years, Billie Fowler has lived a full life as 2-2 a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and 2-3 great-grandmother; she has touched the lives of many people and she 2-4 is cherished by her family and many friends; now, therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby congratulate Florence Maurine "Billie" Prescott 2-7 Fowler on the occasion of her 85th birthday and extend to her 2-8 sincere best wishes for continued happiness in the future; and, be 2-9 it further 2-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-11 prepared for Mrs. Fowler as an expression of high regard by the 2-12 Texas House of Representatives. West _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 132 was adopted by the House on February 9, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House