SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 241
In Memory
of
Betty Baker
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Betty Baker, who died on January 30,
2017; and
WHEREAS, Betty Baker was born in 1933 in Georgetown to
Dillard and Ila Gower; a 1950 graduate of Austin High School, she
attended Southwest Texas State University; and
WHEREAS, She enjoyed a long and productive career serving
the citizens of Austin; she began her time in public service as a
stenographer with the City of Austin, but she was soon promoted
to a position within the city's Planning and Zoning Department,
where she was best known for spearheading the creation of the
Historic Preservation Office; and
WHEREAS, Under her leadership, the office was responsible
for preserving more than 400 landmark structures; she was
dedicated to her work in saving and rehabilitating the city's
Moonlight Towers as well as in highlighting the important
contributions African Americans made to Austin's history; and
WHEREAS, She played an important role in the creation of
the East 6th Street Historic District and the Congress Avenue
Historic District, and after retiring from city service, she
served with distinction as chair of the Planning Commission and
later as chair of the Zoning and Platting Commission; and
WHEREAS, A woman of courage, strength, and fearless
determination, she gave unselfishly to others, and her wisdom,
her dedication to public service, and her enthusiasm for living
each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she
leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by her
family and countless 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 Betty Baker; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her 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 Betty Baker.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 21, 2017,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate