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79R14984 BJM-D

By:  Homer                                                      H.C.R. No. 178



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with loving moments and 
meaningful accomplishments may comfort the family and friends of 
Mary Lou Williams of Paris, who passed away on November 17, 2003, at 
the age of 84; and
	WHEREAS, This notable woman was born in Harleton on December 
21, 1918, to Ray Maxie and Corine Baker Newman; she wed Louis B. 
Williams in 1938 and two years later, the couple moved to Paris, 
where they raised their two children; and
	WHEREAS, After receiving an associate's degree from the 
College of Marshall, Mrs. Williams earned her bachelor's degree 
from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and her master's degree 
from East Texas State University; and
	WHEREAS, She enjoyed a career as an educator that spanned 
nearly two decades, teaching English at East Texas State University 
and at Paris Junior College, where she also served as chair of the 
English and communication department; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Mrs. Williams gave of her time 
and talents to a host of civic organizations; a former president of 
the Cosmos Club, the Garden Club of Paris, the Garden Study Club, 
and the McCuistion Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, she was also 
a valued member of the Round Table Study Club, the Moderne Music 
Club, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to name but a 
few; and
	WHEREAS, In addition, Mrs. Williams was deeply interested in 
history and volunteered with a host of preservation efforts, 
including the A. M. and Welma Aikin Archives, the Voyer Museum, and 
the David Graham Hall Foundation; she was also affiliated with the 
Texas State Historical Association, the Lamar County Historical 
Commission, the City of Paris Commission for Preservation of 
Historical Sites, the Society of American Archivists, and the 
Genealogical Society of Northeast Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Mary Lou 
Williams will remember her zest for life and her love of family and 
community; although she is greatly missed, her legacy lives on in 
the hearts of her loved ones and in her myriad civic contributions; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby pay tribute to the life of Mary Lou Williams and extend 
deepest sympathy to the members of her family: to her son, Louis B. 
Williams, Jr., and his wife, Nila; to her daughter, Joanne W. Click; 
to her grandchildren, Dr. Eleanor Click, Mary Elen Williams, and 
Connelly Williams; to her sisters-in-law, Lois Newman and Cathryn 
Williams; to her brothers-in-law, Joe R. Williams and Dr. Charles 
H. Williams; to her nephews and nieces, R. Frank Newman, Fran Newman 
Scott, Lou Rhea Williams Silvey, Judy Dabbs, and John Wesley, 
Charles, Cory, Katie Hood, Joe, Bruce, and Cliff Williams; and to 
her other relatives and friends; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas House 
of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory 
of Mary Lou Williams.