H.R. No. 868
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and
meaningful accomplishments remain to comfort the family and friends
of Gail Coker of Waco, who passed away on March 5, 2011; and
WHEREAS, A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Ms. Coker was born on
April 15, 1947, to Joseph and Grace Jamison; she earned her
bachelor's degree from Carson-Newman College and her master's
degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Coker began her notable career at First Baptist
Church in Waco, where she served as director of childhood education
for eight years; she went on to teach at St. Paul's Episcopal Day
School before joining the staff at Baylor University; during her
distinguished 25-year tenure with the institution, she worked in
the graduate school office, at Piper Child Development Center, and
in the acquisitions department of Moody Memorial Library; in 1993,
Baylor named her an Alumna by Choice; and
WHEREAS, Active in her community of faith, Ms. Coker was a
valued member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church; she served as a
department director and part-time preschool division director at
the house of worship, and, together with her husband, she taught
preschool for 14 years; in addition, she led preschool Sunday
school training conferences and vacation Bible school clinics in
Texas, Oklahoma, and California, and she later developed preschool
Sunday school curriculum for the Southern Baptist Convention; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Coker was also a dedicated supporter of the
Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure in Waco, and through the
years of her involvement, she recruited team members, worked with
corporate sponsors, and co-chaired survivor celebration events;
and
WHEREAS, In all of her endeavors, Ms. Coker was supported by a
loving family that included her husband, David, her son, Jeff, and
her daughter, Allison; and
WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Gail Coker will
forever treasure their memories of this dynamic woman, whose faith
and dedication to others made a positive difference in the lives of
countless individuals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Gail Coker and extend
deepest sympathy to the members of her family: to her husband, David
Coker; to her son, Jeff Coker; to her daughter, Allison Harvey, and
her husband, Brian; to her grandson, James Harvey; to her brother,
Donald Jamison, and his wife, Priscilla; to her sister, Jo Ann
Webster, and her husband, Ed; and to her other relatives and many
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 Gail Coker.
Anderson of McLennan
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 868 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 31, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House