SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 151 In Memory of Hollis Brashear WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Hollis Brashear, who died at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, Hollis Brashear was an exemplary citizen and community leader whose passion for education had a profound impact on Dallas schools and students; and WHEREAS, Born in 1935, he grew up in Dallas at a time when African Americans were subject to segregation and attended underfunded schools; while a student at Lincoln High School, he was noticed for his mathematical ability, and he was encouraged to pursue a career in engineering; he went on to work his way through college by serving as a janitor and to earn his degree from Prairie View A&M University; and WHEREAS, He served the nation with distinction for 21 years as an officer in the United States Army; he was deployed to Korea and Vietnam and earned two Bronze Stars during his military career; and WHEREAS, Mr. Brashear was elected to the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees in 1992 and became its president in 1997; under his direction, the board faced a number of daunting issues, including controversy around a decades-old school desegregation order, but his steady leadership and commitment to equal opportunity and excellence in education helped the board navigate through its difficulties; and WHEREAS, He was married for many years to his beloved wife, the late Minnie Brashear, and the couple was blessed with two daughters, Enez and Teresa; a devout Christian who practiced his faith in his daily life, he was an elder at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband and father, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Hollis Brashear; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Hollis Brashear. West ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 8, 2017, by a rising vote. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate