SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 356
	In Memory
	of
	Carole Stewart Keeton
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
	commemorates the life of Carole Stewart Keeton, a highly esteemed
	Texan and a pioneering public servant, who died on March 26, 2025,
	at the age of 85; and
	WHEREAS, Born September 13, 1939, Carole Keeton was the
	second child and only daughter of Madge Anna Stewart and W. Page
	Keeton, legendary dean of The University of Texas School of Law;
	enthusiastic and driven from an early age, Carole attended The
	University of Texas in the early 1960s, which helped to lay the
	foundation for her distinguished career of public service and a
	lifelong dedication to her community and state; and
	WHEREAS, Carole broke barriers in Texas politics and
	government throughout her career, and in 1972, she became the first
	woman elected president of the Austin Independent School District
	Board of Trustees; she went on to become the first woman to serve as
	mayor of Austin in 1977 and committed her efforts to fostering the
	growth and development of the city, and she remains the only woman
	to have held the office; and
	WHEREAS, In 1994, Carole Keeton became the first woman
	elected to the Texas Railroad Commission, and in 1998, she earned
	the similar distinction of being the first woman elected Texas
	Comptroller of Public Accounts; she served in this capacity from
	1999 to 2007, during which time she demonstrated a robust
	commitment to fiscal responsibility and good governance as well as
	a dedication to economic transparency and a principle-driven work
	ethic; and
	WHEREAS, A powerful voice for Texans, Carole made an impact
	that extended well beyond her official duties, particularly on
	issues of education and government efficiency; her influence
	resonated across party lines, and her snappy delivery and personal
	aphorisms endeared her to many and served to highlight her sharp
	wit and her keen insight into the challenges faced by everyday
	Texans; and
	WHEREAS, While her professional accomplishments were
	remarkable, Carole found the greatest reward in her role as a
	mother and grandmother; she raised her four sons with care and
	devotion and instilled in them the value of hard work and the same
	diligence and intrepidity that defined her civic service; she
	treasured time spent with her grandchildren, who were a source of
	much pride and joy to her, and she was a model of grace and
	resilience to her loved ones; and
	WHEREAS, A woman of strength, perseverance, and
	generosity, Carole leaves behind a distinguished legacy of
	service shaped by her notable achievements and her spirit of
	determination; she will continue to be a source of inspiration to
	others long into the future, and her memory will be dearly
	cherished by her loving family members and by the many people who
	were privileged to know her and to share in her life; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
	Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
	family of Carole Stewart Keeton; 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 Carole Keeton.
	Eckhardt
	Alvarado Hall Middleton
	Bettencourt Hancock Miles
	Birdwell Hinojosa of Hidalgo Nichols
	Blanco Hinojosa of Nueces Parker
	Campbell Huffman Paxton
	Cook Hughes Perry
	Creighton Johnson Schwertner
	Flores King Sparks
	Gutierrez Kolkhorst West
	Hagenbuch Menéndez Zaffirini
	Patrick, President of the Senate
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on March 31, 2025, by a
		rising vote.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate