87R23897 TBO-D
 
  By: Davis H.R. No. 1049
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close
  with the passing of Opal M. Allen of San Angelo on March 17, 2020;
  and
         WHEREAS, The eldest of 15 children, the former Opal Bennett
  was born in Limestone County to Vera and Willie Bennett; she learned
  the importance of hard work at an early age and put her studies on
  hold to help support her family; in June 1957, she wed Norvell
  Allen, with whom she shared 55 rewarding years of marriage; the
  couple were blessed with two daughters, Robbin and Alma, and their
  family later grew to include two grandchildren, Jasmine and Justin,
  and three great-grandchildren, Camryn, Madison, and Alexia; and
         WHEREAS, Mrs. Allen never lost sight of her dream to become
  an educator; she worked and attended night school to earn her GED,
  and in 1970, she received a bachelor's degree in history from Paul
  Quinn College in Waco; the following year, her family moved to San
  Angelo, and she took a job teaching history at Central High School,
  where she was one of the first African American members of the
  faculty; she enjoyed a career spanning 26 years at the campus, and
  she continued her own studies by earning a master's degree in
  education from Angelo State University in 1982; and
         WHEREAS, A woman of devout faith, Mrs. Allen was an active
  congregant at her church, serving in such roles as Sunday school
  teacher, finance committee member, choir member, and first lady
  alongside her husband during his time in the ministry; many
  organizations also benefited from her involvement, including Le
  Coterie Society of San Angelo, the Ministers' Wives Alliance of San
  Angelo, the Pregnancy Help Center of Concho Valley, and the Delta
  Kappa Gamma Society International; and
         WHEREAS, Opal Allen dedicated her life to her faith, her
  family, and her students, and all those who loved and cherished her
  will forever find inspiration in their memories of her strength,
  generosity, and wisdom; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Opal M. Allen and
  extend heartfelt sympathy to her relatives and friends; and, be it
  further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Opal Allen.