81R11748 JNC-D
By: Hughes H.R. No. 956
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and
meaningful accomplishments remain to comfort those who knew Karen
Wheeler Pendergast of Winnsboro, who passed away on February 4,
2009, at the age of 70; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Pendergast was born on March 4, 1938, in her
beloved Winnsboro; she graduated from the local high school in 1956
and went on to earn a journalism degree from The University of Texas
in 1960; and
WHEREAS, A pioneer in her field, she was hired as the first
woman broadcast journalist by KRLD in Dallas and worked on the radio
and television news staffs; in 1963, she married her husband Tom, an
executive and newsman for the Associated Press; and
WHEREAS, The couple lived in many different locations and
traveled widely throughout the United States before settling in
Winnsboro in 1985; they purchased the local newspaper, The
Winnsboro News, and Mrs. Pendergast immersed herself in its many
roles; in addition to directing the paper's day-to-day operations,
she authored a lighthearted column called PenWheels that became one
of the most popular features and personally wrote each obituary
published, reporting the passing of her friends and neighbors with
accuracy and compassion; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Pendergast's talent as a writer was matched by
her photography skills, which she showcased each year during the
monthlong Autumn Trails festival; and
WHEREAS, This valued civic leader shared her time with a
number of worthwhile community affairs; a member of the Winnsboro
Preservation League and a dedicated supporter of the Gilbreath
Memorial Library, she served as treasurer of the Winnsboro Heritage
Society and on the board of the Winnsboro Area Chamber of Commerce,
which honored her as Woman of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Pendergast also championed and supported the
Winnsboro Independent School District and its three local schools;
for more than two decades, she generously awarded scholarships to
graduates of Winnsboro High School with journalistic potential and
donated funds for students in middle school and high school to
attend band camps; when the school board created the WISD
Foundation, she was named its president, a post she held until her
death; and
WHEREAS, The generous efforts of Karen Pendergast enriched
her community and those she encountered; described as the "soul of
the newspaper," she provided a rich and rewarding legacy for all
Texans to remember through her words, pictures, and volunteerism;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st
Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Karen Wheeler
Pendergast and extend deepest sympathy to the members of her
family: to her husband, Tom Pendergast; to her daughter, Meredith
Ann Simpson, and her husband, David; to her sister, Becky Pickett;
to her four grandchildren, Mary Karen Simpson, William Drake
Simpson, John McGlamery Chavez, and Aiden Gun Chavez; and to her
other relatives and many 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 Karen
Wheeler Pendergast.