H.R. No. 239



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The certain knowledge of a life well lived may help 
to temper the profound sadness felt by the Georgetown community at 
the passing of Dr. Jo Ann Cravens Ford on February 3, 2006, at the 
age of 72; and
	WHEREAS, Born in 1933 in Fort Worth, Dr. Ford studied at Texas 
State University, and she later earned a master's degree from 
Colorado State University and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University; 
and
	WHEREAS, In 1968, she began a distinguished 30-year career 
with the Georgetown Independent School District, holding the 
position of vocational director at Georgetown High School before 
going on to serve as principal of four district schools; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Ford won the respect of teachers, students, and 
parents alike for her devotion to her pupils and to her profession; 
in 2004, the district dedicated Ford Elementary School in her 
honor, and more than 500 admirers joined together to show their deep 
appreciation of her efforts; and
	WHEREAS, Her commitment to education was rivaled by her 
determination to make her community a better place; she organized 
the Family Outreach Center for abused and neglected children and 
helped to establish the Georgetown Community Clinic, which provides 
health care to uninsured residents of Williamson County; a founding 
member of Wellspring United Methodist Church, she was also a 
driving force behind Mission of Mercy, a regular event offering 
free dental and health services to hundreds of individuals in need; 
in recent months, she headed a coalition to create temporary 
housing for evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and
	WHEREAS, Despite her many noteworthy achievements, Jo Ann 
Ford's greatest source of joy and inspiration was undoubtedly her 
loving and close-knit family, and though they and all who knew her 
will miss her vivacity, drive, and compassion, her legacy of 
dedication to her neighbors, friends, and family members will live 
on in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Dr. Jo Ann Cravens Ford and extend sincere sympathy to the members 
of her family:  to her son, William Ford and his wife, Deborah; to 
her grandchildren, Garrett Ford and Meredith Ford; to her sister, 
Margaret Gerloff and her husband, Don; to her brothers and 
sisters-in-law, Mickey Cravens, Roy and Charlsey Ford, Laura 
Oliver, Bennie Oliver, Alma Winett, and May Greenway; 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 Dr. Jo Ann 
Cravens Ford.

                                                                          Gattis


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 239 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 4, 2006.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House