SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 863


In Memory

of

Gertrude Kirkwood Tapscott


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of Prairie View in mourning the loss of Gertrude Kirkwood Tapscott,
who died April 11, 2005, at the age of 105; and

	WHEREAS, Born May 23, 1899, in Colmesneil, Texas, to 
John Henry and Emma Judy Charlotte Crain Kirkwood, Gertrude moved
to Prairie View in 1923, where she met James R. Tapscott; they 
were married in 1926; and

	WHEREAS, That year Mrs. Tapscott enrolled in Prairie View 
A&M College, and she graduated with a bachelor's degree in home 
economics in 1931; following her graduation, she began a teaching
career that lasted 34 years; and

	WHEREAS, After she retired, her home became a haven for 
students and staff from the college; Mrs. Tapscott treasured those
memories, and she considered helping young people to further their
careers and lives as among her greatest achievements; and

	WHEREAS, Mrs. Tapscott was given numerous awards and honors
for her service to her community, including the Purple Heart 
Award from the Prairie View Retired Teachers Association and a 
gold bracelet for being the 50th year honoree in 1981 from the 
home economics department at Prairie View A&M University; and

	WHEREAS, Some of the organizations to which she donated her 
time and talents were the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, 
the Eastern Stars, and the Retired Teachers Association; she was 
a longstanding member of Mount Corinth Baptist Church, where she 
served as Sunday school superintendent; and

	WHEREAS, In further recognition of her unique contributions
to the Prairie View community, she was the guest of honor at 
Amistad Bookstore's "An Evening with Gertrude Tapscott" in 2004, 
and May 23 was proclaimed "Gertrude Kirkwood Tapscott Day" in 
Prairie View; and

	WHEREAS, A woman of courage, strength, and kindness, 
Mrs. Tapscott gave generously of herself to others, and her wisdom,
warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew
her; and

	WHEREAS, A devoted mother and aunt, she leaves behind 
memories that will be cherished forever by her family and friends;
now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Gertrude Kirkwood Tapscott:  her son, Charles W. Tapscott;
her nephews, Albert R. Bean, Dell R. Bean, James Weldon, 
Richard Clayton, Clarence Kirkwood, Glen Kirkwood, James Kirkwood,
Odell Kirkwood, Daniel Kirkwood, and Charles Kirkwood; and her 
nieces, Amy Bean Boykin, Edna Bean Smith, and Gwendolyn Kirkwood; 
and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of her family as an expression of deepest sympathy 
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 
day, it do so in memory of Gertrude Kirkwood Tapscott.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 11, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate