H.R. No. 1160


R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A loving family and dear friends celebrate the life of Ruth Ella Gee Byrd of Houston, who passed from this earth on March 24, 2005, at the age of 70; and WHEREAS, Born in the Bayou City on December 16, 1934, she grew up in the Acres Homes community in a close-knit family with eight brothers and three sisters; and WHEREAS, This lovely lady attended A. B. Anderson, graduated as valedictorian of her class at George Washington Carver High School, and went on to receive both bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas Southern University; she worked for the betterment of her community through her membership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Byrd and her devoted husband, Donald, enjoyed a rewarding relationship that was enriched with four children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Committed to educational excellence for all Texas children, Mrs. Byrd began her notable teaching career with the Houston ISD at Crawford Elementary School and concluded it 37 years later at Douglass Elementary School, after having assisted countless young boys and girls on their way to becoming successful, responsible adults; and WHEREAS, Although her presence is gone from us now, Ruth Ella Gee Byrd will long be fondly remembered in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her, for she made innumerable contributions to the lives of so many people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Ruth Ella Gee Byrd and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her husband of nearly half a century, Donald Byrd, Sr.; to her children, Kathy, Donald, Kleodis, and Rivis; to her grandchildren, including LaTonya and Dionne, whom she raised as her own, and great-grandchildren; to her siblings, Mary Lott, Betty Mae Love, Dr. Lenord Gee, Rivers Gee and his wife, Pat, and Andrew Gee; to her aunt, Ruby Cole; 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 Ruth Ella Gee Byrd. Allen of Harris ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1160 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 29, 2005. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House