78S10862 MDM-D

By:  Cook of Navarro                                              H.R. No. 166



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Vernett Hicks of Corsicana on July 
19, 2003, at the age of 78, has deeply saddened the family and many 
friends of this beloved man; and
	WHEREAS, A native Texan, he was born on February 2, 1925, in 
the community of Cheneyboro; he graduated from Jackson High School 
in Corsicana, joined the United States Navy, and attained the rank 
of second class petty officer before he was honorably discharged; 
"Hicks," as he was affectionately called by many of his friends, 
went on to earn a bachelor's degree in social studies from Wiley 
College in Marshall and a master's degree in psychology from 
Prairie View A&M University; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Hicks began his exemplary career in education at 
Dunbar High School in Mexia, where he served as head football coach 
and won five district championships between 1948 and 1957; he next 
worked for the Port Arthur Independent School District as head of 
testing, a position he held for a brief time before returning to his 
hometown area; and
	WHEREAS, In Corsicana, Mr. Hicks taught at Jackson and 
Lincoln elementary schools and at Jackson High School until the 
advent of desegregation in the mid-1960s; he then became the first 
African American to teach at Collins Junior High School and 
Corsicana High School; Mr. Hicks subsequently served as principal 
at two local elementary schools and as an administrator with the 
Corsicana Independent School District; and
	WHEREAS, Following his retirement from the school district in 
1988, he remained active in businesses as diverse as ranching, 
rental real estate, and house moving; in addition, he became the 
first African American to hold the office of constable in Navarro 
County; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Hicks married the former Vivian Bratcher on 
November 30, 1955, and the couple enjoyed a warm and rewarding 
relationship for nearly half a century; together, the two educators 
served their community in a number of roles and were faithful 
congregants of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, where they 
were instrumental in the recent building of a new sanctuary; and
	WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, his profession, and his 
community, Vernett Hicks enriched the lives of countless 
individuals, and his caring spirit will long be remembered in years 
to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Vernett Hicks and extend deep sympathy to the members of his family: 
to his wife, Vivian; to his son, Melvin Joe Hicks; to his 
half-sister, Ada Brunson; to his aunts, Myrtle Padgett Davis and 
Jettie B. Watson; to his cousins, Bobby and Curtis Sparks; to his 
grandchildren; and to the other relatives and many friends of this 
esteemed gentleman; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Vernett 
Hicks.