81R6555 MDM-D
By: McClendon H.R. No. 341
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close when Wilma
Phillips Hunter of San Antonio died on May 24, 2008, at the age of
88; and
WHEREAS, Born in Karnes City, Wilma Phillips was the eighth
of 11 children of Collie and Nolvia Phillips; she was baptized into
the Church of the Living God in her hometown at a young age and
maintained a strong spiritual life in the ensuing years; and
WHEREAS, When she was 17 years old, she moved to the Alamo
City and married Ira Smith, with whom she had two beloved sons; in
1946, she exchanged wedding vows with Eddie Lee Hunter, beginning a
fulfilling marriage that spanned 35 years, until his passing; the
couple ran a thriving boardinghouse, and later Mrs. Hunter
reportedly became the first African American woman to own and
operate an upholstery business in San Antonio; the company, Hunter
Brothers Upholstery, which she and her husband developed, gained a
stellar reputation for quality work and drew prominent clients from
throughout Bexar County; and
WHEREAS, An esteemed citizen of San Antonio, Mrs. Hunter
cofounded the Altrusa Social Club and faithfully served the
congregation of Friendship Baptist Church as a member of the usher
board and choir; and
WHEREAS, Admired for her dynamic personality, can-do
attitude, and masterful storytelling ability, Wilma Hunter will
forever hold a treasured place in the hearts of all who were blessed
to share in her love and affection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Wilma Phillips Hunter
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her
sons, Ira Smith, Jr., and his wife, Marvinette, and James Allen
Smith; to her sister, Katherine Hill, and her brother, Flenoy
Phillips, and his wife, Venetta; to her nine grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren; and to her 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Wilma
Phillips Hunter.