79R8081 BJM-D

By:  Cook of Colorado                                             H.R. No. 659



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times, loving 
moments, and meaningful accomplishments may comfort and console the 
family of Charlyne Jo Stephens Spanihel of Eagle Lake, who passed 
away on January 31, 2005, at the age of 77; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Austin on February 27, 1927, to Marie Viola 
Cain Stephens and Charles Draper Stephens, Mrs. Spanihel was a 
lifelong resident of Eagle Lake and graduated valedictorian from 
its high school in 1944; she studied chemical engineering at The 
University of Texas at Austin and was a member of the American 
Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Society of Women Student 
Architects and Engineers; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Spanihel accepted employment with Shell Oil 
Company in Eagle Lake and wed Leon J. "Sonny" Spanihel on April 5, 
1948; their happy union was blessed with six cherished children, 
Cynthia, Joe Mike, Teresa, Mary Jo, Stephen, and Shawn; and
	WHEREAS, When her children grew older, Mrs. Spanihel returned 
to school and attained her teaching certificate and bachelor's 
degree in mathematics at the University of Houston, and she later 
earned her master's degree in education and computer science, as 
well as certifications in supervision and mid-management 
administration; and
	WHEREAS, She taught middle and high school students as well 
as parent and GED classes at Wharton High School, Eagle Lake Middle 
School, George Junior High School, B. F. Terry High School, and 
Saint Anthony School, where she took on a challenging new role as 
principal in 1992; and
	WHEREAS, Also active in her community, she was a member of Our 
Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and its altar society, the 
Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and the Equestrian Order of the 
Holy Sepulchre; she gave of her time and talents to the Austin 
Diocese Council of Catholic Women and the National Council of 
Catholic Women, taught catechism, worked as a counselor and sponsor 
for the Boy Scouts of America's religious Ad Altare Dei Award, 
shared her musical talents with her congregation in a variety of 
capacities, and served as a drug abuse coordinator for the State 
Council of the Knights of Columbus; moreover, she benefited her 
community as a member of the South Texas Girl Scout Council and as 
an EMT with the Eagle Lake Ambulance Corps and by supporting the 
Eagle Lake Fire Department; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Spanihel was repeatedly acknowledged for her 
invaluable contributions and was lauded for her outstanding service 
with the WICS and Job Corps programs and was named First Lady of the 
Year by the Alpha Delta Phi and Xi Pi Psi sororities; and
	WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known this 
exceptional woman will remember her zest for life and her love for 
family and community; although she will be greatly missed, her 
legacy will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she so richly 
blessed; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Charlyne Jo 
Stephens Spanihel and extend deepest sympathy to the members of her 
family:  to her children, Cynthia Ann Sunderman and her husband, 
Edward, Joe Mike Spanihel and his wife, Diane, Teresa Marie Briscoe 
and her husband, Frank, Mary Jo Spanihel, Stephen Patrick Spanihel 
and his wife, Vivian, and Shawn Kevin Spanihel; to her 
grandchildren, Chad Edward Sunderman and his wife, Rachel, Stacey 
Elizabeth Leopold and her husband, Dustin, Kurt Michael Sunderman 
and his wife, Shara, Michelle Lynn Primrose and her husband, Jody, 
Adam Michael Briscoe and his wife, Amanda, Stephanie Renee Tribe 
and her husband, Philip, Jessica Lynn Spanihel, Lauren Kay 
Spanihel, Justin Joseph Briscoe, and Danielle Marie Spanihel; to 
her great-grandchildren, Colton, Dakotah, Cason, and Jakelyn; to 
her brother and sister-in-law, Draper and Patty Stephens; to her 
sister-in-law, Grace Spanihel; to her brother-in-law, John 
Dullahan; and to the other relatives and many friends of this 
esteemed woman; 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 Charlyne Jo 
Stephens Spanihel.