H.R. No. 908



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Mollie Taylor Stevenson of Houston passed away on 
April 9, 2003, at the age of 91, leaving behind a host of friends and 
relatives who mourn her passing; and
	WHEREAS, Born in November 1911 in Pierce Junction, Ms. 
Stevenson graduated from Old Jack Yates High School in 1928; and
	WHEREAS, During the 1920s, she studied classical piano under 
the direction of New Orleans native Madame Rochan; she went on to 
study concert piano and organ at Fisk University in Nashville, 
Tennessee, and completed a bachelor of arts degree in music in 1934; 
her remarkable talent earned Ms. Stevenson the opportunity to 
accompany the world-famous Fisk Jubilee Singers, and she later 
performed regularly at Houston's historic Rice Hotel as a guest 
pianist; and
	WHEREAS, Ms. Stevenson met her husband, seven-time 
All-American football player Benjamin Franklin "Big Ben" 
Stevenson, while still at Fisk University; they shared a close and 
rewarding marriage for more than 30 years until his passing, and 
their lives were blessed with five children as well as a sixth child 
whom they also loved as a daughter; and
	WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Houston and a member of 
Trinity East United Methodist Church, Ms. Stevenson was a valued 
citizen in her community who participated in numerous local 
organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and 
Jill of America, Inc., and the Bluebonnet Garden Club; she was 
inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and received 
numerous other awards and honors throughout her lifetime; and
	WHEREAS, Ms. Stevenson was a devoted wife and caring mother, 
an esteemed musician and much-loved performer, and a trusted and 
cherished friend to many, and her spirit will live on in the hearts 
of all those who were fortunate to have known her; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Mollie Taylor 
Stevenson and extend deepest sympathy to the members of her family:  
to her six children, Barbara T. S. Marshall, Sandra Rigsby, Ben Taye 
Choice, Benjamin F. Stevenson, Jr., Mollie Stevenson Scott, and 
Major W. Stevenson, Sr.; to her 12 grandchildren, 13 
great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; and to her 
other relatives and many 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 Mollie 
Taylor Stevenson.

                                                                          Dutton


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 908 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 23, 2003.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House