86R7812 SME-D

By: Landgraf H.C.R. No. 53

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Lettie England of Odessa is an outstanding community leader whose achievements and tireless efforts have immeasurably enhanced cultural life in her area; and

WHEREAS, From 2004 through 2010, Ms. England served as administrator of the Presidential Archives and Leadership Library, which is dedicated to the study of the office of the presidency and of our nation's constitutional government and presidential election process; she first joined the museum staff in the 1980s as education/marketing director, during which time she was essential to the construction of an exhibit depicting the chronology and history of the United States from George Washington's presidency to President Kennedy and the Civil Rights Era; she has worked diligently through the years to support the institution, and her leadership was especially vital following the arson fire in 2007 that damaged the historic home once owned by former President George H. W. Bush, which stands on the museum grounds; and

WHEREAS, Ms. England has also devoted herself to assisting children and the elderly during her 56 years as an Odessa resident; she served as president of the Austin Elementary School PTA for three years and was appointed to the Ector County Child Welfare Board and the Tri-Ethnic Committee of the Ector County Independent School District; she advocated for the young, the elderly, and the arts both locally and statewide as a volunteer in the political arena; and

WHEREAS, A licensed social worker, Ms. England is certified as a family life educator by the National Council of Family Relations and has many years' experience as a social worker in hospice and long-term care; she served as a member of the public policy committee of the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging; moreover, she founded the Midland Odessa chapter of the Compassionate Friends support group for the bereaved; with degrees in psychology, education, and history, she has served as a continuing education instructor at Midland and Odessa College and as a guest lecturer in the sociology department of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin; she has also served on the board of the Permian Playhouse and was instrumental in obtaining a grant to support the playhouse; and

WHEREAS, Through her myriad endeavors, this dynamic Texan has made Odessa a better place to live and work, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby honor Lettie England for her contributions to her community and extend to her best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. England as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.