H.R. No. 144
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life rich in family, faith, and friendship drew to
a close with the passing of Willie Belle Porter of Longview on
October 24, 2010, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, The ninth child of William and Laura Pettey, the
former Willie Belle Pettey was born in Mahl on November 15, 1918;
she was joined in matrimony to Madison Jones Porter, and they became
the parents of three daughters, Diane, Suzanne, and Jane Ellis; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, Mr. Porter's untimely death left
Mrs. Porter to raise her little girls on her own; her motto was "if
there's a will, there's a way," and she maintained a warm and
welcoming household while working as a secretary for the Longview
Independent School District and serving as president of the
Longview Secretaries Association; she retired from the district
after 27 years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Porter was beloved for her kindness and
hospitality; she was a valued member of First Baptist Church for
more than six decades, and she found special fulfillment in her
Bible Club; with a green thumb and a passion for flowers, she also
belonged to the Camellia Garden Club and carefully tended
spectacular azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias; in addition, this
gracious lady was known for her skill in duplicate bridge and
demonstrated a sense of style in the elegant attire she chose for
every occasion; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to her grandchildren, Mrs. Porter kept
plenty of games and crafts to amuse them on their visits, although
any activity with "Granny" was bound to be great fun; she adored
taking them shopping or on other outings, and her enthusiasm and
creativity helped them develop their imaginations; and
WHEREAS, Willie Belle Porter brought joy to all who were
privileged to know her, and her shining example of resilience,
generosity, and devotion will forever remain an inspiration to
those she leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Willie Belle Porter
and that sincere condolences be extended to the members of her
family: to her daughters, Diane Patrick and her husband, Ned,
Suzanne Gordon and her husband, Pete, and Jane Ellis Statton; to her
grandchildren, Craig Patrick, Claire Casteel, Edwin, Todd, and Chad
Gordon, and Tori and Madison Statton; to her great-grandchildren,
Garrett, Drake, and Wren Casteel, Stella and Mia Patrick, and
Choochy, Jackson, Paul, Katie, Noah, Finneas, Jillian, Benjamin,
and Fyetka Gordon; and to her other relatives and friends; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas House
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in the memory of
Willie Belle Porter.
Patrick
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 144 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on February 24, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House