82R11374 MGR-D

By: Dutton H.R. No. 630

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Mary Etta Berry Delaney of Houston is receiving a 2011 Outstanding Community Leader Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus; and

WHEREAS, Born in Onalaska, Mrs. Delaney has made Houston her home since 1948; an active member of the Miles Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for more than six decades, she currently serves on the stewardess and Christian education boards, participates in the prayer band and missionary society, and contributes to the church's Sunday school programs; in addition, she organized and became a leader for church-affiliated Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops; and

WHEREAS, An employee of the Houston Independent School District for 34 years, Mrs. Delaney is now a permanent volunteer with the district; she shares her time and talents with a number of civic associations, including the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center and its Elders Institute of Wisdom, Finnigan Park Seniors in Action, Church Women United, Harris County Council of Organizations, and Black Heritage Society; in addition, she is a life member of the National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Delaney began Delaney for Christ Ministries with her children and siblings in 1998, and the group now operates in Houston, Lubbock, and Garland; exemplifying the motto "meet people where they are," the ministry organizes activities such as church and youth revivals, outreach programs, choir workshops, prison ministries, church reunions, and entertainment for senior citizens' homes; moreover, Mrs. Delaney is the cofounder of Africans United for Sanity Now, a mental health initiative that holds yearly workshops in Houston and New York City; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Mother Delaney," this respected community leader has mentored countless young people from all walks of life, and she is well-loved for her storytelling abilities, lively personality, wit, and sage advice; and

WHEREAS, Through her tireless efforts in behalf of her fellow citizens, Mary Etta Delaney has set an inspiring example of civic engagement, and in so doing, she has earned the deep respect and admiration of all who know her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Mary Etta Berry Delaney on her receipt of a 2011 Outstanding Community Leader Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Delaney as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.