82R24825 JGH-D
By: Dutton H.R. No. 1579
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A caring and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Laura Nell Oliver Curtis of Houston on April 19, 2011, at
the age of 66; and
WHEREAS, The former Laura Oliver was born a twin on November
12, 1944, to Lovie Oliver and Louise Marie Oliver; she grew up in
Galveston, where she worked at John Sealy Hospital as a youth and
graduated from Central High School; and
WHEREAS, In 1963, she entered Huston-Tillotson University in
Austin; she earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education, with
a minor in English, in 1968 and eventually went on to obtain
certification as a reading specialist from New York University; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman married her college sweetheart,
William "Popsie" Curtis, also known as Mateen Aalim Baaith, and the
couple became the parents of two children, William Curtis, Jr., and
Tamitra Curtis; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Curtis built a successful career in education,
teaching at schools in Austin, Fort Worth, New York City, and
Houston and at the North Texas Job Corps Center in McKinney as well
as at a number of Opportunities Industrialization Centers; she
further distinguished herself as an advocate for those living with
HIV/AIDS in her role as senior vice president of Over the Hill,
Inc., which her husband served as president and CEO; she retired in
2003; and
WHEREAS, An avid poet, Mrs. Curtis loved writing poems for
her friends; moreover, she delighted in time spent in the company of
her family, which, in addition to her children, included
stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Laura Curtis
will remember the way she touched their lives with her generosity
and devotion, and she will forever hold a treasured place in their
hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Laura Nell Oliver
Curtis and extend sincere condolences to her many loved ones; 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 Laura Nell
Oliver Curtis.