88S30160 CW-D
 
  By: Springer, Parker S.R. No. 7
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         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 88th Texas 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.