H.R. No. 5  



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The city of Fort Worth lost a beloved community 
leader and people's advocate with the passing of Viola Pitts on 
April 15, 2004, at the age of 89, and it is most appropriate to honor 
her memory at this time; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Winnsboro on September 8, 1914, Mrs. Pitts 
graduated from high school in Pittsburg; although she was unable to 
attend college, this irrepressible Texan did possess advanced 
degrees in C.S. and M.W., or "common sense" and "motherly wit," as 
she often humorously described her humble educational pedigree; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Pitts came to Fort Worth in 1941 and lived there 
for more than 60 years; she became politically active in the early 
1960s and was an ardent supporter of the political process; she 
served as precinct chair of the Lake Como neighborhood for many 
years and was known as the "unofficial Mayor of Como" in recognition 
of her longstanding commitment to the residents of that 
historically black neighborhood; and
	WHEREAS, During her long and productive life, Mrs. Pitts 
raised awareness about issues affecting African Americans and 
encouraged people to use the power of voting to effect positive 
change; her efforts helped to secure funding for the local 
community center, kept open the doors of Como Elementary School, 
and ensured that many of the basic needs of Como's residents were 
met; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Pitts was a member of the Tarrant County 
Hospital Board of Managers, served on the State Board of Hospitals, 
officiated as vice president of the Neighborhood Action Committee, 
and was a member of Fort Worth's Charitable Solicitations 
Commission; in 2000, the city's JPS Health Center was named in her 
honor, a fitting tribute for a woman who devoted so much time and 
energy to supporting health care initiatives; and
	WHEREAS, A tireless advocate and respected civic leader, 
Viola Pitts possessed an indomitable spirit and a heart as big as 
Texas, and although she will be missed by all who knew and loved 
her, her legacy of success and achievement will be remembered for 
years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Viola Pitts and extend sincere sympathy to the citizens of Fort 
Worth, particularly to her many friends and neighbors in the Lake 
Como neighborhood.

                                                                          Burnam


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 5 was unanimously adopted by a rising 
vote of the House on May 11, 2004.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House