H.R. No. 373



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Dr. Claytle Odessa Searcy is serving as Pastor of 
the Day for the Texas House of Representatives, and this occasion 
provides a fitting opportunity to pay tribute to this notable 
woman; and
	WHEREAS, Raised in poverty, Dr. Searcy completed her high 
school education in night school while working a 10-hour day; 
undaunted by hard work and financial sacrifice, she attended Wiley 
College, later transferring to Bishop College in Marshall, where 
she received her bachelor's degree; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Searcy went on to earn a master of arts degree 
from The University of Texas at Austin and after further study at 
Southern Methodist University and East Texas State University, she 
became a certified counselor and received a doctorate in religion; 
and
	WHEREAS, With a calling for children's ministry, she used a 
$25 donation to establish Searcy's Youth Foundation, which has 
enabled Dr. Searcy to provide educational, moral, and spiritual 
guidance to thousands of youths; and
	WHEREAS, Today, she serves as senior minister of the House of 
Love Church, an institution organized and operated by Dr. Searcy, 
and she continues to spread a message of love, hope, and salvation; 
and
	WHEREAS, This woman of extraordinary perseverance has 
overcome every obstacle placed before her; like the congregants of 
the House of Love, who have found in Dr. Searcy a minister of strong 
faith and wise leadership, the members of this chamber are indeed 
fortunate to have a preacher of such determination present to join 
us in our work today; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby express its sincere appreciation to Dr. Claytle 
Odessa Searcy for her service as Pastor of the Day and extend to her 
warm best wishes for continued success and fulfillment in her 
ministry; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Searcy as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.

                                                                 Jones of Dallas
                                                                 Davis of Dallas
                                                                        Giddings
                                                                           Hodge

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 373 was adopted by the House on March 
11, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House