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78R8496 MDM-D

By:  Dutton                                                       H.R. No. 560



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Dr. Gideon Lamar Sanders, Sr., of 
Houston on February 26, 2003, has deeply saddened the family and 
many friends of this esteemed educator and musician; and
	WHEREAS, Born on September 24, 1926, to Eddie and Effie 
Sanders, he grew up in a loving home where his grandparents, 
affectionately known as "Mama Gilder" and "Papa George," helped 
guide his maturation into an exceptional young man; and
	WHEREAS, An alumnus of Phillis Wheatley High School and Texas 
Southern University, from which he earned bachelor's and master's 
degrees, he received a doctorate of sacred music from Mount Hope 
Bible College; further, he was awarded an honorary degree of 
business education from Erma Hughes Business College; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Sanders served his country with distinction as a 
member of the armed forces during World War II and received a 
surgical technician certificate with honors from Brooke General 
Hospital; and
	WHEREAS, Over the course of his impressive career as an 
educator and administrator, Dr. Sanders left a legacy of excellence 
at Houston's Phillis Wheatley High School, Cullen Junior High 
School, and Pershing Middle School; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Sanders shared his unwavering faith with others 
throughout his lifetime through his words and music and as a role 
model of Christian virtues; he directed the music program and 
served the congregation as a deacon at Fifth Ward Missionary 
Baptist Church, was director of music at the Fifth Ward Brotherhood 
Convention, served as Brotherhood Union president, organized the 
Women's Uplift program, and participated with the Independent 
Missionary Baptist General Association; and
	WHEREAS, Moreover, this richly talented individual directed 
national, state, and local choirs for the National Baptist 
Convention of America, wrote and directed Old Ship of Zion with the 
KYOK Koral-Aires, and organized the Famous Knights and Ladies Club, 
The Controllers and Mademoiselles; and
	WHEREAS, A past president of the Houston/Harris County 
Retired Teachers Association and the Texas State Retired Teachers 
Association, his numerous professional and civic affiliations 
included Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, Burnett's Star Chapter 266, 
Order of the Eastern Star, and Herman E. Rochelle American Legion 
Post 827; and
	WHEREAS, On May 8, 1952, Dr. Sanders exchanged wedding vows 
with Clementine Dianne Henson; the couple enjoyed a half century of 
marriage and were blessed with a fine family that today includes 
three children and seven grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, Though Dr. Sanders will be deeply missed, the memory 
of his devotion to his fellowman and dedication to his profession 
will long warm the hearts of all those who were privileged to know 
him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Gideon Lamar 
Sanders, Sr., and extend sincere sympathy to his wife, Clementine 
Dianne Sanders; to his children, Effie Juanita Wilkerson, Sharon 
Kay Bennett, and Gideon Lamar Sanders, Jr.; to his sons-in-law and 
daughter-in-law, Daryl Wilkerson, James Bennett, and Jackie 
Sanders; to his grandchildren; and to all those who mourn the 
passing of this beloved man; 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 Dr. Gideon 
Lamar Sanders, Sr.