85R9028 BPG-D
By: Clardy H.R. No. 296
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of Nacogdoches lost an admired civic leader
with the death of Lucille Marie La Pointe DeWitt on October 9, 2015,
at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, Born in Killingly, Connecticut, on October 8, 1925,
the former Lucy La Pointe lived with the Colizzi family in
Charlotte, Michigan, and worked as an au pair and soda jerk while
completing high school; she later moved to New York City to pursue a
career in acting and modeling; in 1948, she married Rich DeWitt, and
they became the parents of five treasured children, Richard,
Deborah, Candace, Cindy, and Jack; she eventually knew the joy of
welcoming 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren into her
family; and
WHEREAS, The DeWitts moved to Waxahachie and then settled in
Nacogdoches in 1957 to assist with the family business, DeWitt
Hatcheries; in 1964, the couple opened their first KFC franchise,
and they eventually expanded to a total of 70 locations across the
state; Mrs. DeWitt became president of the company following her
husband's death in 2006, and with a remarkable work ethic, she
remained active in the business into her late 80s; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to her community, Mrs. DeWitt
played a key role in the establishment of the Nacogdoches County
Republican Women, and she served as president of the organization;
she was a founding member of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Pink
Ladies and board president of the physical rehabilitation center
that the group helped develop; in addition, she was a member of the
Samaritan Center board and a charter life member of the Nacogdoches
Expo Center; she and her husband donated land to Stephen F. Austin
State University for its nursing program, and in recognition of
their support, the School of Nursing was named in their honor;
moreover, Mrs. DeWitt sponsored Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers and
donated funds for the restoration of a number of historic
buildings; in 2006, she was inducted into the Stephen F. Austin
Society, and among myriad accolades, she was named the 2008 Woman of
the Year by the American Association of University Women; and
WHEREAS, Lucy DeWitt made a lasting, positive impact in her
community through her exceptional generosity and dedication, and
she will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who were
fortunate enough to know her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Lucille DeWitt and
extend sincere condolences to her loved ones; 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 Lucy
DeWitt.