82R19195 BPG-D
By: Beck H.C.R. No. 139
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost an admired public servant
and civic leader with the death of former secretary of state Myra
McDaniel of Austin on February 25, 2010, at the age of 77; and
WHEREAS, Born in Philadelphia on December 13, 1932, the
former Myra Atwell was the daughter of Eva and Toronto Atwell; she
attended the prestigious Philadelphia High School for Girls and
earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of
Pennsylvania; after her marriage to Reuben McDaniel, she became the
proud mother of two children, Diane and Reuben; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McDaniel began her career as a management
analyst and served in administrative positions at Baldwin Wallace
College in Ohio and at Indiana University; in 1975, she completed
her law degree at The University of Texas School of Law and she went
on to work in the office of the Texas attorney general; she became
chief of the taxation division in 1979 and then worked as counsel
for the Railroad Commission before entering private practice in
Midland; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Governor Mark White appointed Mrs. McDaniel
as his general counsel; she became the first African American
secretary of state in Texas history two years later, and her
intellect, integrity, and wisdom greatly benefited her fellow
citizens; treating all those around her with thoughtfulness and
respect, she won the loyalty of her staff and set a sterling example
of leadership during her three-year tenure; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman continued to serve as a mentor
and role model after returning to private practice, and in 1995, she
became one of the first African American women to lead a major law
firm, Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever, and McDaniel, as
managing partner; over the course of her distinguished legal
career, she served as counsel for Austin Community College and
Capital Metro, and she continued to work part-time for Bickerstaff
Heath well into her seventies; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to her community, Mrs. McDaniel won
numerous awards for her contributions; she served on the boards of
St. Edward's University, Seton Hospital, the Episcopal Seminary of
the Southwest, and many other organizations; a valued member of St.
James Episcopal Church, she served as a senior warden and edited the
church newsletter; more than a mere fan of the UT women's basketball
team, she generously shared her time and expertise with young
athletes, offering special encouragement over the years to those
interested in pursuing law degrees; and
WHEREAS, Myra McDaniel inspired innumerable people through
her remarkable achievements and unyielding dedication to public
service, and her positive influence will continue to resonate in
the myriad lives she touched in the years to come; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay special tribute to the memory of Myra McDaniel and extend
sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her husband,
Reuben R. McDaniel, Jr.; to her children, Diane Rhodes and Reuben
McDaniel III; to her seven grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren; and to her many 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Myra McDaniel.