SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 894

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Dallas in mourning the loss of Carol Ann Brandon, who died April 23, 2007, at the age of 50; and

WHEREAS, Carol Brandon, a Dallas native, was born to Willie Brandon and Francis Louise Frias on April 10, 1957; after graduating from South Oak Cliff High School in 1975, she continued her education by attending Dallas County Community College and the University of North Texas in Denton, where she studied business administration; and

WHEREAS, Carol was an active participant in the Dallas community for over 30 years; she served as a legal assistant at the law office of Scottie D. Allen, as program manager for ACORN Housing Corporation, and as special services coordinator and executive assistant to Joyce Ann Brown, the president and chief executive officer of Mothers (Fathers) for the Advancement of Social Systems, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, Most recently Carol served as a community services assistant for State Representative Terri Hodge; after her physical condition caused her to retire, she continued serving the community as a volunteer; and

WHEREAS, This well-known civic leader touched the lives of many people, and her strong concern for the quality of life of the citizens of Dallas was evident in her many community endeavors; while a member of the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Board from 1992 through 2002, she worked to provide safe water parks and playgrounds for children; she was also instrumental in working with the National Basketball Association star and Dallas citizen, Larry Johnson, in building the Larry D. Johnson Recreation Center in South Dallas; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the City of Dallas Planning and Zoning Commission from 2002 through 2006, she led the charge to change the name of Boulder Drive to Pastor Bailey Drive, to restructure the Dallas City Council, and to close a sexually oriented business in Oak Cliff; and

WHEREAS, Her efforts to help the poor and disenfranchised took her in many directions; she was an active force in the Black Adoption Agency's "One Child, One Church" program, and in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and other community organizations, and she received many awards for her outstanding work; and

WHEREAS, Carol was a member of Friendship-West Baptist Church of Dallas and an active member of the Steering Committee for the Annual KwanzaaFest at Fair Park hosted by Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price; and

WHEREAS, Carol Brandon dedicated her life to serving others, and although she will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched, her spirit will abide in their hearts for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Carol Ann Brandon: her aunt, Lois Ann Frias Davis; her uncle, Hugh Sargent, Jr.; and her first cousins, Teletha Hogan, Cynthia Dickson, and Jacob Davis; 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 Carol Ann Brandon. West

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 27, 2007, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate