SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 7
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Opal Johnson Smith
 
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
  commemorates the life of Opal Johnson Smith, who died December
  27, 2020, at the age of 86; and
 
         WHEREAS, Born August 27, 1934, Opal Johnson was an esteemed
  member of the Dallas community and a native of Nigton, Texas; she
  graduated from high school at the young age of 15 and earned a
  bachelor's degree in mathematics from Prairie View A&M
  University before her 20th birthday; and
 
         WHEREAS, Opal was an active member of the Dallas Prairie
  View A&M University Alumni Chapter, and over the years, her
  fund-raising prowess contributed greatly to the growth and
  success of the university; she established the highly successful
  Annual Athletic Scholarship Gala, and her work as co-chair for
  the university's Capital Campaign led to more than $34 million in
  funding; she was honored for her service and contributions to her
  alma mater and the Prairie View A&M University Foundation in 2006
  with the dedication of the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium, and in
  2003, she was inducted into the National Black College Hall of
  Fame; and
 
         WHEREAS, A highly respected educational leader, Opal
  earned a master's degree from the University of
  Wisconsin-Madison and enjoyed a 35-year career in the Texas
  public education system; she amassed numerous awards for her
  outstanding service as a teacher and an administrator, and she
  retired as the director of alternative certification for the
  Dallas Independent School District; and
 
         WHEREAS, Through all things, Opal enjoyed the love and
  support of her husband of 62 years, Joe Edward Smith, a fellow
  Prairie View alumnus who shared her enthusiastic commitment to
  supporting and promoting education; they were blessed with four
  children, who they guided by loving spiritual example, and their
  eight grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy for her;
  and
 
         WHEREAS, Opal Smith was a woman of great wisdom, kindness,
  and generosity and was beloved by many, and her proud legacy of
  service will continue to have an impact on the lives of Texas
  citizens for years to come; now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
  Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
  condolences to the bereaved family of Opal Johnson Smith; 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 Opal Smith.
 
  West
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on July 22, 2021, by a
    rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate