H.C.R. No. 200
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, A generous and productive life drew to a close with
the passing of Gratie Mae Potts of Clarksville on March 19, 2009, at
the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Berry and Effie Thompson, Gratie
Potts was born in Clarksville on August 21, 1920; she graduated from
Cheatham High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from
Prairie View A&M University; after graduation, she married her
college sweetheart, Frank Robinson, and the couple later became the
parents of a treasured daughter, Janet; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Potts began her teaching career in Deport and
then taught second grade at Central Elementary School and English
at Central High School in New Boston, where she also coached the
girls' basketball team to two district championships; in 1959, this
esteemed educator returned to her alma mater and taught at Cheatham
High until the end of segregation enabled her transfer to
Clarksville High School; Mrs. Potts instilled in her students a
love of learning and encouraged them to reach their full potential,
earning their lasting respect and admiration; and
WHEREAS, She married Willie D. Potts in 1957, and she was a
devoted wife and mother to a family that grew to include four more
daughters, Betty, Ester, Brenda, and Gloria, as well as three sons,
Franklin, Samuel, and Willie Potts, Jr.; Mrs. Potts eventually
welcomed 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 5
great-great-grandchildren into the family, and extended loving
maternal care to her cousins, Patricia, Chelsey, Octavia, and
Clayton Ricks, and most recently to Chelsey's daughter, De'Jah, and
Octavia's son, Braden, in the next generation; and
WHEREAS, Following her retirement in 1986, Mrs. Potts devoted
herself to her community, continuing to teach others through her
example of good works; she served as president of the Red River
County chapter of the American Cancer Society and as a dynamic
volunteer for the East Texas Medical Center Clarksville Auxiliary,
Relay for Life, Helping Hands, the Retired Senior Volunteer
Program, and the public library's thrift store; moreover, she was a
member of PRIDE, the Retired Teachers Association, and Heroines of
Jericho; a keen supporter of the democratic process, she attended
meetings for political candidates and encouraged her fellow
citizens to exercise their right to vote; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Potts joined Zion Traveler Baptist Church at an
early age and went on to become a deaconess; she served the church
in a variety of capacities, including program chair, mission
teacher, announcement clerk, and funeral committee chair; in the
late 1980s, she also became known as one of the "Golden Girls,"
attending numerous church functions with her friends, Mildred
Pearson, Lillie Williams, and Norma Williams, and acting as the
charming group's chauffeur; moreover, she helped maintain longtime
friendships as a member of the Cheatham High School Reunion
Advisory Committee and never missed a reunion; and
WHEREAS, Gratie Potts made a positive difference in countless
lives through her commitment to education, to her community, and to
her family, and she will long be remembered with the greatest
affection by all who shared in the blessing of her love and
friendship; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of Gratie Mae Potts and extend
sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her daughters,
Janet Porter, Ester Barber, Brenda Wilburn, and Gloria Barber; to
her son, Samuel W. Potts; to her 20 grandchildren, 23
great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; to her
cousins, Patricia, Chelsey and her daughter, De'Jah, Octavia and
her son, Braden, and Clayton "C.J." Ricks; and to her many other
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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Gratie Mae Potts.
Homer
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 200 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 4, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 200 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the Senate on May 18, 2009.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor