83R4192 STE-D
By: Dutton H.R. No. 112
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Althea Lewis Renfro of Houston, an esteemed educator
and friend to many, passed away on December 27, 2012, at the age of
85; and
WHEREAS, Born in Houston on February 10, 1927, to Elijah and
Martha Lewis, "AlphaBelle" Lewis attended Bruce Elementary School
and Phillis Wheatley High School, where she was active in the Purple
and White Squadron and Wheatley's Lovable Troubadours; graduating
at the age of 15, she enrolled at Texas Southern University and went
on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as her
teaching certification in chemistry, physical science, general
science, homemaking, kindergarten, and elementary education; and
WHEREAS, This industrious young woman initially taught in
Louisiana before returning to Texas and joining the staff of the
Double Bayou School in Anahuac; she subsequently went to work for
the Houston Independent School District, and during long tenures at
Crawford and Hohl Elementary Schools, Mrs. Renfro served as a
positive influence on many young people; admired for her
leadership, she chaired the Faculty Advisory Council at Crawford
Elementary and was the United Negro College Fund school
representative; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her professional achievements,
Mrs. Renfro served as the pianist for three different churches and
directed the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church senior choir and
male chorus; she was a gifted and prolific poet as well who authored
more than 300 poems and composed several gospel songs; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Renfro participated in a variety of worthwhile
organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the National
Teachers Association, the National Education Association, the
LaVioleta Social and Charity Club, and the Order of the Eastern
Star; she assisted the Red Cross and the Greater Houston Convention
and Visitors Bureau as a volunteer, and she established the Ted
Taylor Fan Club, a group that sponsored field trips and cultural
outings for teens in the Fifth Ward; and
WHEREAS, The mother of three children, she was also a devoted
mother figure to the children of her two blended families; before
becoming the beloved wife of Porter Renfro, Jr., she supported her
children in numerous activities, attending countless football
games, marching band performances, and Girl Scout campouts; later,
she and Mr. Renfro became known as "Mommadear" and "Granddaddy" to
their close-knit circle of loved ones; during their 40 years
together, the couple traveled extensively and hosted many
gatherings in their home; and
WHEREAS, Althea Renfro made a meaningful difference in the
world around her, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue
to inspire others for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Althea Lewis Renfro
and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her
children, Algenita Segars and her husband, Ardie, and Jacky Scott
and his wife, Cynthia; to her grandchildren, Marthea Davis, Jackea
M. Scott, and John W. Davis IV; to her stepchildren, Ronald Bennett
and his wife, Joyce, David Earl Renfro, Pat Renfro, Porter Renfro
III, and Porter Renfro IV; 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 Althea
Lewis Renfro.