SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 903

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay tribute to Jewell McGowen on the momentous occasion of her 80th birthday, which is being celebrated on May 24, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. McGowen was born in Hempstead on April 29, 1929, to Leola and Willie M. McDade; she has been married to Ernest McGowen, Sr., for 62 years; she has been blessed with four children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, She earned a bachelor of science degree in business education from Texas Southern University and a master of science degree in counseling and guidance from Prairie View A&M University; she earned a vocational guidance certification from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio and studied at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University; and

WHEREAS, Well respected for her commitment to education, Jewell McGowen taught English and business courses and served as a counselor in the Houston Independent School District for many years; she also worked as an administrator and community liaison at Northeast College; and

WHEREAS, A longtime community leader, Mrs. McGowen was a founder of the Northeast Cultural Arts Council and served as chair of the board of directors; she was a member of the grants committee of the Greater Houston Woman's Foundation and member of the True Blue Community Endowment; and

WHEREAS, She has long been active in Democratic Party politics; she was an organizer and president of Houston Black American Democrats, a charter member and vice president of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, and was treasurer of the Texas Democratic Party; she also served as a Harris County precinct judge; and

WHEREAS, Jewell McGowen is a beloved and distinguished member of her community, and she is indeed worthy of special recognition on the important occasion of her 80th birthday; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize Jewell McGowen as a treasured citizen of this state and extend to her best wishes for a wonderful birthday celebration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as a memento of this joyful occasion. Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 13, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate