SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 7

In Memory

of

Mary Denny

WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed state legislator has drawn to a close with the passing of the Honorable Mary Craver Denny on September 14, 2023, at the age of 75; and

WHEREAS, The former Mary Craver was born to Lois and Kenneth Craver on July 9, 1948, and she was raised in Houston, where she was a member of the Lamar High School Class of 1966; after attending The University of Texas at Austin, she transferred to the University of North Texas, graduating magna cum laude with degrees in elementary education and mathematics; and

WHEREAS, Following her move to Denton, Ms. Denny was invited to serve as the Republican precinct chair for her area, and she chaired the Denton County Republican Party from 1983 until 1991; the next year, she was elected to the Texas House of Representatives for District 63, and she went on to serve her constituents for seven terms, from 1993 to 2007; during her tenure, she was treasurer of the House Republican Legislative Caucus, and she sat on numerous committees, including those on elections, criminal jurisprudence, financial institutions, agriculture and wildlife management, and health and human services block grants; she further distinguished herself as a board member for the Texas Conservative Coalition and the Lone Star Leadership Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, Ms. Denny garnered a number of accolades, including the Outstanding Texas Legislator Award, the Common Cause Star of Service Award, and three Texas Eagle Forum Freedom and Family Awards for her conservative voting record on social and economic issues; she was also a four-time recipient of both the Texas Ten Award and the Leader of Excellence Award from the Free Enterprise PAC; civically engaged, she was appointed to the University of North Texas Board of Regents, and she served on the UNT President's Council and the UNT Foundation Board; she was highly regarded for her work as a philanthropist and a community volunteer, and she contributed her time and expertise to such organizations as the Denton Benefit League, the United Way of Denton County, and the City Federation of Women's Clubs; in addition, she was involved with the Greater Denton Arts Council and the Gaylord-Hughes Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Denny cherished time spent with her family, which included her son, Bryan Denny, and his fiancée, Kelly McCarty, her stepdaughter, Wenter Anderson, and her grandchildren, McKenna and Christian Blair; her life was further enriched by her wide circle of friends and by the companionship of her two beloved dogs, Bishop and Gidget; and

WHEREAS, A stalwart champion of conservative Republican values, Mary Denny served her fellow Texans with dedication, integrity, and tenacity, and she leaves behind a legacy that will long be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to know her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Mary Craver Denny and extend deepest condolences to all who mourn her passing; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the Honorable Mary Craver Denny.

Springer, Parker

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on October 9, 2023, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate