H.R. No. 928
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
passing of admired educator Shirley Jane Sloan Hamm of Pittsburg on
March 7, 2017, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, Born in Clarksville on June 19, 1934, she completed
both her bachelor's degree and her master's degree in library
science at East Texas State University; she married her high school
sweetheart, Harvey David Hamm, on August 15, 1954, and they became
the proud parents of two children, Harvey and Melinda; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hamm taught English in Dallas and then in
Pittsburg schools, where she also served as a librarian; while
instilling a love of language in children, she demonstrated a
special understanding of those who struggled for acceptance and
made them feel included; many of her former students kept in touch
through the years, and the hundreds of valentines she received from
them were displayed seasonally in the windows of the shop owned by
her daughter and son-in-law; and
WHEREAS, In her retirement, Mrs. Hamm continued to share her
love of literature with her grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, and
Mitchell, and her great-grandchildren, Josie, Kenlie, Kennady,
Kynslee, Noah, and Keyton; she had a Kindle full of books but often
visited the public library with her great-grandchildren in tow, and
in her last days, she made sure a dear friend returned three books
she had checked out; when not reading, she enjoyed traveling with
her husband as members of the Shriner's RV Club, and the couple
hosted legendary Christmas breakfasts for family and friends; in
addition, she liked to invite friends for tea, and she beautified
the world around her by painting, repairing antique furniture,
gardening, and arranging flowers; she played a key role in the
continuation of the Green Thumb Garden Club and its annual flower
show, and, having mastered the tricky Hogarth Curve design, she won
many awards for her arrangements; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to her family, friends, and students,
Shirley Hamm enriched the lives of innumerable people, and those
who were privileged to know her will forever treasure their
memories of her dry wit, frankness, and wisdom; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Shirley Jane Sloan
Hamm and extend sincere sympathy 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 Shirley
Hamm.
Hefner
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 928 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 23, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House