H.R. No. 779



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Lois Mason of Kilgore on February 14, 
2003, at the age of 78, has deeply saddened the family and friends 
of this esteemed restaurateur; and
	WHEREAS, Ms. Mason was born on July 16, 1924, in Leesburg; in 
1958, she moved to Kilgore where she worked for several 
restaurants; in 1964, she became a waitress for the Country Tavern, 
and, after diligently saving her money, Ms. Mason purchased the 
Country Tavern in 1974; and
	WHEREAS, For more than a quarter of a century, Ms. Mason  
delighted countless Kilgore residents and visitors with her superb 
country fare; rated one of Texas' best barbecue restaurants by 
Texas Monthly and Texas Highways, the Country Tavern has attracted 
people from far and wide, including George Bush, Miss Texas, and 
Larry Hagman; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to being a successful businesswoman, Ms. 
Mason was a devoted wife and caring mother, grandmother, and 
great-grandmother, as well as a valued member of the Kilgore 
community; and
	WHEREAS, Lois Mason's legacy can be found not only in the 
successful Country Tavern, but also in her lasting, positive 
impression on her family and many friends, and her spirit will 
forever shine brightly within their hearts; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Lois Mason and 
extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family:  to her 
husband, Bob Mason; to her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and 
Patty Pilgrim; to her daughter-in-law, Jeannie Pilgrim; to her 
three sisters, Ruth Morris, Betty Munn, and Martha Lively; to her 
three brothers, Willie Hood, David Hood, and Billy Hood; to her nine 
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; to her nieces and 
nephews; and to her other relatives and friends; 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 Lois Mason.

                                                                         Merritt


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 779 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 2, 2003.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House