79R20249 JHS-D

By:  Martinez                                                     H.R. No. 2291



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Marcia Jean Parrish Shedden, a longtime resident of 
South Texas, passed away on May 27, 2005, at the age of 82, and her 
loss has left a void in the lives of the many people who knew and 
loved her; and
	WHEREAS, A gifted pianist and organist, Mrs. Shedden 
possessed a talent and passion for music that remained with her 
throughout her life; she began performing on piano at the age of 10 
and established a career as a musician and entertainer that earned 
her a legion of fans; and
	WHEREAS, This exceptional woman performed with a host of 
celebrated entertainers during her career, including Gregory 
Hines, Phil Harris, Mamie Van Doren, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dick 
Dale, and Guy, Rona, and Myron Floran from the legendary "Lawrence 
Welk Show"; and
	WHEREAS, Although her passion for music and performance was 
strong, she was equally devoted to raising her six children, 
demonstrating incredible perseverance; she worked full-time 
selling pianos and organs, supplementing her income with public 
performances, in order to take care of the needs of her family; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Shedden enjoyed a lengthy and productive tenure 
with the Dean Canty Band that spanned more than 20 years; she played 
at the McAllen Country Club and the Palm Valley Country Club in 
Harlingen and also found time to serve as a volunteer for an array 
of civic and social organizations, including the Community Concert 
Association, the San Juan Music and Dramatic Arts Club, and the San 
Juan Park Advisory Committee; and
	WHEREAS, Preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Ralph 
Parrish and Tweed Shedden, Marcia Shedden was an inspiration to her 
family, friends, and fans, and although she will be deeply missed by 
all who knew her, her spirit will live on in their hearts 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 Marcia Jean Parrish 
Shedden and extend sincere condolences to the members of her 
family: to her children and their spouses, Timothy and Mary 
Parrish, Tamara and Paul Cowen, Trina and Michael Boothe, Trudy and 
Reynaldo Garza, Trecia and Jamie Munal, and Julie and Mike 
McKissick; to her sister, Dottie Smith; to her 10 grandchildren and 
one great-granddaughter; and to her other relatives and 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 Marcia Jean 
Parrish Shedden.