SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1043
In Memory
of
Tommie Lee Bell
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Tommie Lee Bell, a pioneer among black
El Pasoans, who died May 18, 2009, at the age of 100; and
WHEREAS, Tommie Lee Bell was born in 1908; he was raised on
a farm in Faker, Texas; he left the East Texas area in the 1930s
to escape prejudice and to find work in El Paso; soon after moving
to El Paso, he married Lenora Hudson, who was from his hometown;
they were married for more than 60 years and had a son, the late
David Lee Bell, and a daughter, Tommie Anita Bell; and
WHEREAS, He found work as an elevator operator at the Plaza
Hotel before being hired by Beaumont Army Medical Center, where
he worked as a cook and as a supervisor for 25 years before
retiring; he was one of the first black people to work as a
civilian at the center and was among the first blacks to own
property in El Paso; he had saved 25 cents a week to buy his first
home; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, he was active in community
service and volunteered with numerous organizations; at the age
of 90, he began volunteering at the Sierra Medical Center two
times a week as a lobby escort; when he was 92 years old, he was
honored as the Man of Distinction by the Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority for his commitment to community service; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bell was a quiet, unassuming gentleman noted
for his warmth, his strength of character, and his kindness to
others; he lived through dramatic changes in the United States as
blacks gained equal rights, and he was an exemplary role model in
his community; he was a devoted father, and he leaves behind
memories that will be treasured for years to come by his family
and his many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby honor the memory of Tommie Lee Bell and
extend sincere condolences to his bereaved family; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Tommie Lee Bell.
Shapleigh
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 27, 2009, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate