H.R. No. 871
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of Fort Worth resident Bessie Reed has
spanned the entirety of the 20th century and is continuing into the
21st, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor this remarkable woman;
and
WHEREAS, The granddaughter of a slave, Bessie Reed was born
December 19, 1900; she attended segregated schools as a child and
taught herself to read; she has worked as a farmer, housekeeper, and
seamstress, and she lived in Seattle before relocating with her
daughter to Fort Worth in 1996; today, Mrs. Reed enjoys the company
of her niece, Mrs. Dudley, and a treasured family that includes one
grandchild and one great-great-grandson, and she takes pleasure in
reading from her Bible daily; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 108 years, Mrs. Reed has witnessed
major developments in technology and the first moon landing, as
well as two world wars, the Great Depression, and the tragedy of
September 11, 2001; while her own mother, Lena Zumo, lived to be
101, Mrs. Reed never imagined that she would see an African American
elected president of the United States within her lifetime; she was
elated to cast her vote for Barack Obama, and she proudly watched as
his victory was announced on television; and
WHEREAS, A kind and caring woman, Bessie Reed shares her
enthusiasm for living life to the fullest with all who meet her, and
she serves as an inspiration to her fellow citizens in Fort Worth
and beyond; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize Bessie Reed as an extraordinary and
cherished member of her community and extend to her sincere best
wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mrs. Reed as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Veasey
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 871 was adopted by the House on March
26, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House