79R6841 MW-D

By:  Wong                                                         H.R. No. 481



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The certain knowledge of a life well lived tempers 
the profound sadness that the passing of Ruby Sue Wilcox Clifton of 
Houston brings to all who loved this esteemed lady; and
	WHEREAS, Born on April 20, 1910, in Houston County, Mrs. 
Clifton studied at Sam Houston State Teachers College and received 
a degree from the University of Houston; and
	WHEREAS, Devoting her life to education, Miss Ruby served 38 
years with the Houston ISD and retired as assistant superintendent 
of board services; her leadership helped the district through the 
turbulent years of integration, and she earned the lasting respect 
and admiration of her colleagues as well as many recognitions for 
her service, including a national life membership in the Congress 
of Parents and Teachers; the Ruby Sue Clifton Middle School was 
dedicated in her honor in 1979; and
	WHEREAS, This notable community leader was the first woman to 
be named chairman of the board for First Educators Credit Union; 
again employing her exceptional leadership abilities, she helped 
the organization to meet the challenges of the 1970s and 1980s and 
become fiscally stronger; in recognition of her contributions, she 
was named Chairman Emeritus of First Educators Credit Union as well 
as the 1994 National Credit Union Director of the Year, and in 2003, 
the Ruby Clifton Scholarship Fund was established in her honor; and
	WHEREAS, Miss Ruby served as secretary of the Gulf Coast 
Association of School Boards for 25 years, and she was a member of 
Delta Kappa Gamma, the YWCA board, the Greater Houston Youth 
Council, and Texas Women in Action; she also was a longtime member 
of the Houston Area Retired Teachers Association, which honored her 
as the first recipient of the Dr. Kate Bell Memorial Award; and
	WHEREAS, A devoted congregant at St. Mark's United Methodist 
Church since 1946, she served the church in many positions, 
including as a member of the board of trustees, and her dedication 
and tireless efforts were recognized with the Brother Ed Award; and
	WHEREAS, Known as a determined and successful advocate who 
fought in behalf of education, teacher retirement funds, and credit 
union issues not only in Houston, but also in Washington and Austin, 
this remarkable and beloved woman leaves behind a legacy of good 
work and achievements that will continue to inspire and benefit her 
fellow Texans for years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Ruby Sue Wilcox 
Clifton and extend sincere sympathy to Gylene Wilcox, Paula Arnold 
and her children, Lisa and Clark Martinson, Jenny Bennett, the 
Reverend Dick White, Kelly Frels, Bill Young, Billy Reagan, Gary 
Tusa, and to the other members of her family and her 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 Ruby Sue 
Wilcox Clifton.