1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 997
 1-3           WHEREAS, On May 29, 2001, Gladys Marie Prater Herod is
 1-4     celebrating her 80th birthday, and this is truly a notable event
 1-5     for her entire family; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, Born to J. D. and Nettie Evelyn Owens Prater
 1-7     on May 29, 1921, in Slocum, Texas, Mrs. Herod spent her early
 1-8     years sharing her love of life with her parents and her siblings,
 1-9     Lucille, Jean, Charles, and Margaret; and
1-10           WHEREAS, She married James Douglas Wooten, and although
1-11     he died tragically at an early age, he left her with the gift of
1-12     two beautiful daughters, Jo Ann and Carol; and
1-13           WHEREAS, After moving to Houston she was fortunate to find
1-14     love again with Leland Reed and became his wife in 1945; the couple
1-15     relocated to Slocum, and they were blessed with daughters Linda and
1-16     Gail; the family remained in Slocum until Mr. Reed passed away in
1-17     1960; and
1-18           WHEREAS, She returned to Elkhart and lived there and in
1-19     Palestine, Texas, with her third husband, the late Cecil Herod,
1-20     with whom she enjoyed many happy years; and
1-21           WHEREAS, This beloved matriarch has been exceptionally
 2-1     close to grandchildren Cynthia Jo Fickey, Geoffrey Woodrow Parker,
 2-2     Cecil Avis Staples, Brenda Jo Staples Boyd, Julie Ann Staples,
 2-3     the Honorable Douglas Todd Staples, Stephen Michael Lesh,
 2-4     Stephanie Michelle Lesh Weems, and Heather Renee Willard Fisher,
 2-5     making each a painstakingly crafted quilt and playing baseball
 2-6     with them; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, Yet another generation is now benefiting from
 2-8     her unfailing love and guidance as is evidenced by Mrs. Herod's
 2-9     special bond with great-grandchildren Coty Ricardo Rodriguez,
2-10     Rachel Leann Fickey, Kolby Tyler Venoy, Christopher Grant Staples,
2-11     Thomas Scott Staples, Cecil Jordan Staples, Alexandra Marie Boyd,
2-12     Jason Matthew Boyd, Jared Cole Staples, Elizabeth Ann Staples,
2-13     Brian Walker Thorn, Jonathan Clarke Thorn, Dalton Reed Fisher,
2-14     and Megan Leigh Kirchner; and
2-15           WHEREAS, In addition to caring for her family, she finds
2-16     time for such varied activities as embroidery, sewing, making
2-17     pear preserves, preparing chili that is second-to-none in the
2-18     Lone Star State, and raising her high soprano voice in song at
2-19     the Church of Christ in Elkhart; and
2-20           WHEREAS, Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Herod has been a
2-21     source of boundless joy to her family and friends, and it is
2-22     indeed appropriate that she be honored for the happiness and
2-23     hope she has imparted to others; now, therefore, be it
2-24           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
 3-1     77th Legislature, hereby congratulate Gladys Marie Prater Herod
 3-2     on the momentous occasion of her 80th birthday and extend to her
 3-3     sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
 3-4           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
 3-5     prepared for Mrs. Herod as an expression of high regard from the
 3-6     Texas Senate.
 3-7                                                                 Staples
 3-8                                  ______________________________________
 3-9                                          President of the Senate
3-10                                       I hereby certify that the above
3-11                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-12                                  on May 9, 2001.
3-13                                  ______________________________________
3-14                                          Secretary of the Senate
3-15                                  ______________________________________
3-16                                           Member, Texas Senate