83S20616 BK-D
By: Hughes H.R. No. 189
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
passing of Johnnie Ingram Bendy of Mineola on July 22, 2013, at the
age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Born in Longview on December 2, 1918, to John and Lee
Ella Ingram, the former Johnnie Ingram was named for her father, who
died in the Spanish flu epidemic just three weeks before her birth;
encouraged by her mother to get an education, she attended Texas
College, Prairie View College, Colorado State University, and East
Texas State University; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bendy taught school in Mineola for nearly four
decades and received both local and national recognition for her
achievements as an educator; deeply involved in the life of her
community, she served for seven years on the city Planning and
Zoning Board and played an instrumental role in the development of
the Mineola Nature Preserve, which has named one of its trails in
her honor; a longtime block chair for the United Way, this inspiring
woman was also a member of the Mineola Historical Society, the
Friends of the Library, and the Lake Country Playhouse, and she
organized a group to bake birthday cakes for monthly parties at a
local nursing home; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bendy was joined in matrimony in 1945 with her
first husband, Elmore Edmonds, who preceded her in death; fortunate
to find love again, she exchanged wedding vows with the Reverend
F. W. Bendy in 1949, and they shared a rewarding union until his
passing; she was a valued member of Muddy Creek Baptist Church,
where she served in a number of leadership roles, including chair of
the program committee and vice president of the Pastor's Aide
ministry; and
WHEREAS, Through her compassion, dedication, and vibrant
community spirit, Johnnie Bendy made a meaningful difference in
countless lives, and her good works will continue to resonate in her
community for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Johnnie Ingram Bendy and extend sincere sympathy to all those who
mourn her passing; 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 Johnnie
Ingram Bendy.