79S10744 JNC-D

By:  Farabee                                                    H.C.R. No. 21 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The 100th birthday celebration of an esteemed Texas 
citizen is an event most worthy of special recognition, and on July 
19, 2005, Roberta Farris of Wichita Falls is marking this momentous 
milestone in her life; and
	WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Lone Star State, 
Mrs. Farris was born in Lewisville in 1905, and attended Prairie 
View Normal Academy as a girl; she went on to earn a teaching 
certificate from Prairie View College and graduated from the 
institution in 1937; and
	WHEREAS, On June 4, 1927, she exchanged vows with James 
Randolph Farris, with whom she enjoyed more than 30 years of 
marriage before his passing; Mrs. Farris has been blessed with two 
children, Charlye Ola Farris and James Randolph Farris, Jr., and 
she now numbers within her family circle two grandchildren, Troy 
Kevin Farris and James Randolph Farris III; and
	WHEREAS, An educator for nearly half a century, Mrs. Farris 
imparted her love of learning to countless Texas children; she was 
hired as the first African American teacher in Electra and later 
served as a third grade teacher at Booker T. Washington School in 
Wichita Falls; in 1969, following school integration, she 
transferred to Lamar Elementary, where she taught until her 
retirement in 1973; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Farris has been an active and steadfast 
congregant of the Wichita Falls Gilbert Memorial Christian 
Methodist Episcopal Church; a lifetime member, she has served the 
institution as a piano player and Sunday school teacher; and
	WHEREAS, Roberta Farris has brought great joy and happiness 
into the lives of many; a cherished member of her family and 
community, she has earned a special place in the hearts of all who 
are privileged to know her; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Roberta Farris on the 
occasion of her 100th birthday and extend to her sincere best wishes 
for much continued happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Farris as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.