H.R. No. 409
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of Arlington lost an admired civic leader
with the death of its longtime first lady, Anna Waynette
Vandergriff, on July 4, 2009, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, An Arlington native, the former Anna Waynette Smith
was born on June 12, 1927, to Gladys Parker Smith and Thomas Wayne
Smith; her interest in music began early in life, and as a young
woman she directed the Arlington High School choir in University
Interscholastic League competitions and played the organ at local
churches; after graduating, she earned an associate's degree from
The University of Texas at Arlington and served as secretary to the
chair of the fine arts department; she subsequently received a
scholarship to Texas Christian University, where she worked as a
piano instructor and accompanist while studying piano and flute;
and
WHEREAS, This engaging Texan won the heart of classmate Tom
Vandergriff while singing "Moonlight Becomes You" at an Arlington
High School assembly, and the couple went on to marry on March 19,
1949, in a ceremony at First Methodist Church; they later became the
parents of five children, Vanessa, Victor, Valerie, Viveca, and
Vaughn, and Mrs. Vandergriff raised the couple's children to share
her passion for the arts; she eventually welcomed five
grandchildren into the family as well and took great pleasure in
watching them grow up; and
WHEREAS, While meeting the needs of her family, Mrs.
Vandergriff also worked tirelessly in behalf of the greater good;
equally committed to a life of public service, she supported her
husband in his role as president of the chamber of commerce, as the
13-term mayor of Arlington, as a United States congressman, and as a
Tarrant County judge even as she undertook such endeavors as
helping to organize the city's first community concert series and
serving on the board of the Dance Theatre of Arlington; with energy
and enthusiasm, she further benefited a number of other
organizations, including the Arlington Junior League, the Women's
Shelter, and the Arlington Newcomers Club as an advisory board
member, and chaired the city's first Mothers' March on Polio for the
March of Dimes; moreover, she hosted numerous open houses to raise
funds for cultural and charitable organizations and chaired the UTA
National Alumni Association fund drive in 1984; and
WHEREAS, Anna Waynette Vandergriff was a pillar of her
community and brought joy to many through her caring and fun-loving
personality; those who were privileged to know her will forever
treasure their memories of her dedication to her family, her
friends, and her hometown; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Anna Waynette
Vandergriff and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her
family: to her husband of 60 years, Tom Vandergriff; to her
children, Victor Vandergriff, Vanessa Watters, Valerie Kelton, and
Viveca Vandergriff; to her grandchildren; and to her 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Anna
Waynette Vandergriff.
Patrick
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 409 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 3, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House