78R3245 MDM-D

By:  Goolsby                                                      H.R. No. 24 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Winnie Parker Coffee of Dallas on 
October 28, 2002, at the age of 99, has deeply saddened the family 
and many friends of this esteemed woman; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Texas, she was born on December 15, 1902, 
in Tenaha, and pursued her higher education at Mary Hardin-Baylor 
College; Mrs. Coffee shared her passion for speech and drama with 
students at high schools throughout East Texas before World War II 
intervened; and
	WHEREAS, Inspired by her brothers, who answered their 
nation's call to arms during the war, this noteworthy Texan joined 
the United Service Organizations (USO) in 1943, and she brought not 
only her patriotism but also her enthusiasm and good cheer, which 
made immeasurable contributions to the lives of others; after 
completing USO training at Columbia University, she was assigned to 
New Orleans and Tyler, where she served as a social director, a role 
that well suited this extrovert who immensely enjoyed singing, 
dancing, and socializing with people; following the war years, she 
began a new venture when she joined the staff of the Veterans' 
Testing Laboratory at Southern Methodist University; and
	WHEREAS, The former Winnie Parker and Roy C. Coffee began 
their journey as husband and wife in 1952, and the couple enjoyed a 
warm and fulfilling relationship until his passing in 1978; Mrs. 
Coffee was blessed with two sons, and as her family grew through the 
years, she took great pleasure in being a devoted mother, 
grandmother, and great-grandmother; and
	WHEREAS, During her marriage, Mrs. Coffee was supportive of 
her husband in his role as mayor of University Park from 1950 to 
1970; together, the couple were staunch proponents of Christian 
education, donating 40-50 scholarships each year, particularly at 
Abilene Christian University, where today the Winnie and Roy Coffee 
Communications Center honors their exceptional support of the 
institution, as well as Mrs. Coffee's heartfelt enthusiasm for 
drama and speech; and
	WHEREAS, This lovely lady remained an active congregant of 
Preston Road Church of Christ and enjoyed her memberships with the 
Highland Park Book Club, the Wednesday Morning Chorale Club, the 
Music and Drama Club, the Butchart Garden Club, and the Dallas 
Country Club; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Coffee's charm and vivacious personality 
delighted her large circle of admirers and drew new friends to her 
throughout her lifetime; fondly remembered by her loved ones as the 
"life of the party" well into her 90s, she continued a busy schedule 
and even kept her driver's license renewed until the age of 96; and
	WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to know Winnie Coffee will 
long miss her zest for life and generous spirit, and her memory will 
surely live on in the minds and hearts of the many people whose 
lives she touched; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Winnie Parker Coffee 
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her 
sons, Roy C. Coffee, Jr., and Robert F. Coffee; to her four 
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and to all those who 
mourn the passing of this beloved woman; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Winnie 
Parker Coffee.