H.R. No. 1314
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, An inspiring advocate for the blind community,
Carolyn Marie Garrett passed away on October 8, 1998, at the age of
48, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to resonate
in the Bayou City and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Born on September 18, 1950, Carolyn Garrett went on
to graduate from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually
Impaired in 1970 and to compete in power lifting and tandem
bicycling events sponsored by the United States Association of
Blind Athletes; dedicated to improving the quality of life for the
blind, she was also active in a number of local, state, and national
organizations; she served as president of the Houston chapter of
the American Council of the Blind and as the group's representative
on the Technology Committee of the National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped, and she was a board member of
Library Users of America; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Garrett was especially committed to ensuring
that all blind children and adults were given the opportunity to
realize their full potential and to live independently, and through
her own experiences, she was a testament to what individuals with
disabilities could achieve; in 1994, she was appointed by the
governor to the board of directors of the Texas Commission for the
Blind, serving nearly two terms, and her noteworthy efforts were
later recognized by the American Council of the Blind in Texas and
the Division for Blind Services of the Texas Department of
Assistive and Rehabilitative Services with the naming of the
Carolyn Garrett Legislative Leadership Conference, a biennial
event for blind youth; and
WHEREAS, This kind and generous Texan further distinguished
herself in the community as a key contact counselor for the area
chapter of La Leche League International and as a congregant of New
Faith Church; she was known for being a good listener who always
shared encouraging words, and at the time of her passing, she was
pursuing a degree in Christian family counseling from the
University of Houston; moreover, Mrs. Garrett shared 28 years with
her loving husband, Michael, and she was a devoted mother to her
three daughters, Lisa, Tiffany, and Denay; and
WHEREAS, Although her life ended far too soon, Carolyn
Garrett benefited her fellow citizens in myriad ways, and her
outstanding contributions have not been forgotten; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor the memory of Carolyn Marie Garrett; 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 Carolyn
Garrett.
Olivo
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1314 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 22, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House