79R2877 BJM-D

By:  Smith of Harris                                              H.R. No. 35 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Bernice Hlanak Simmons of Baytown on 
August 21, 2004, has brought a profound loss to the family and 
friends of this beloved woman; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Fayetteville, Texas, Mrs. Simmons graduated 
from Robert E. Lee High School and worked for the U.S. Post Office 
in West Baytown before marrying Perry Simmons, with whom she raised 
two cherished daughters, Marsha "Betsy" Furlow and Sarah "Sally" 
Firestone; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Simmons took great pride in her role as 
matriarch of a close-knit family and created a warm and loving home 
for her husband and children; noted for her housekeeping and 
gardening skills, she was also an exceptional cook whose culinary 
prowess was known throughout the community; in addition to being 
affectionately referred to as the "First Lady" of the Blue Arrow 
Café where her delicious pies were featured, she enjoyed the 
distinction of having several of her prized recipes published in 
The Cook on the Block cookbook; and
	WHEREAS, After her daughters left home to attend college, 
Mrs. Simmons reentered the career world, this time as a sales 
representative for Robson Jewelers and later Jacobs Jewelry; and
	WHEREAS, Although Bernice Simmons will be greatly missed, her 
legacy will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she so 
richly blessed with her love and friendship; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Bernice 
Hlanak Simmons and extend deepest sympathy to the members of her 
family: to her husband of 54 years, Perry Simmons; to her daughters 
and son-in-law, Marsha "Betsy" and Robert Furlow and Sarah "Sally" 
Firestone; to her grandchildren, Christi Smykal, Tucker and Ty 
Furlow, and Russell Perry Firestone; to her nephews, Reggie and Lin 
Hlanak and Mark Hlanak and his wife, Sherry; and to all who mourn 
the passing of this much-loved woman; 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bernice 
Hlanak Simmons.