H.R. No. 124
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of George West lost an admired civic
leader with the passing of former mayor Sylvia Steele on December
21, 2016, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born in Robstown on January 6, 1941, Sylvia Steele
completed her bachelor's degree in business at Texas A&I University
and went on to earn a master's certificate in law enforcement; she
married Charles Howard Steele on April 10, 1968, and they became the
proud parents of five children, Vivian, Diana, John, Brian, and
Linda; through the years, she knew the joy of welcoming 19
grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren into her family; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Steele resided in Laredo while employed with the
Webb County Sheriff's Department; during her tenure, she attained
the rank of captain, becoming the only woman to hold that
designation with the department; moreover, she was active in the
D.A.R.E. program, serving as a trainer for the drug resistance
initiative, and she traveled to several South American countries in
that capacity; she was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame by the
Laredo Commission for Women, and her many other accolades include
the Enrique Camarena Award from the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks; and
WHEREAS, After moving to George West, Ms. Steele was elected
to three terms as mayor, and she also served as president of the
governing board of Texas Municipal League Region 11 and as a member
of the Coastal Bend Council of Governments; she further benefited
her community as treasurer of the George West Chamber of Commerce,
as president of the George West Lions Club, and as director of the
Grace Armantrout Museum, and she was a tireless champion for
children and the elderly; and
WHEREAS, A caring wife and mother and a dedicated public
servant, Sylvia Steele made a meaningful difference in the lives of
her loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and her contributions
will be fondly remembered for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Sylvia Steele and
extend sincere condolences to all 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 Sylvia
Steele.
Guillen
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 124 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on February 23, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House