SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 458

In Memory

of

Ruth Natalie Carter Carroll

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of Ruth Natalie Carter Carroll, who died February 22, 2011, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Carroll was an exemplary citizen who was widely admired in her community for her ability to overcome adversity and for her many outstanding achievements; she was born January 22, 1918, in Burton; she was raised by her grandparents after both her parents died during her infancy; she lost her sight at a young age as a result of a tragic accident and attended the Texas State School for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, where she graduated as valedictorian; and

WHEREAS, She went on to graduate with honors from Huston-Tillotson College and to earn a graduate degree from the University of Denver in library science, again finishing at the top of her class; following her graduation, she married Carl Mark Carroll; and

WHEREAS, She enjoyed a long and productive career as a librarian, first at Meharry Medical College during her husband's attendance there, and later at The University of Texas, at Texas Southern University, and for the Houston Independent School District; following her retirement, she returned to school and received a degree in nursing home administration from The University of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Carroll was a founding board member of Riverside National Bank, the first African American bank west of the Mississippi River, in 1963; she was active in numerous community activities, including creating a nursing school scholarship fund and initiating a program to assist African American children stricken by polio; and

WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced her faith in her daily life, she was a 61-year member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, a Communion Guild member, an administrative board member, and a member of the choir; and

WHEREAS, She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by her family and many friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Ruth Natalie Carter Carroll: her daughters, LaVerne Natalie Carroll Dailey, Patrice Marie Carroll Lockett, and Carla Marcia Carroll; and her granddaughters, Natalie Janine Miriam Dailey and Gabrielle Avril Celeste Dailey; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 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 Ruth Natalie Carter Carroll. Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 8, 2011, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate