H.R. No. 52
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose came to an untimely
end with the passing of Jana Graves Kennedy of Paris on May 20,
2017, at the age of 54; and
WHEREAS, The former Jana Graves was born to Faye and James
Graves on August 14, 1962, in Paris, where she grew up with her
sister, Jeri, and her brother, Russell; a member of the North Lamar
High School Class of 1980, she earned a track scholarship to attend
Texas A&M University and went on to complete a bachelor's degree in
elementary education; possessed of a kind disposition and a genuine
love of children, she made a positive difference in the lives of
countless young Texans during her many years as an elementary
school teacher in Texarkana and Paris; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, she exchanged wedding vows with another
Paris native, Mike Kennedy, and after living in Texarkana for a
time, the couple returned to their hometown to be closer to their
families; over the years, they were blessed with three treasured
children, Kara, Cole, and Kyle; and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Ms. Kennedy exemplified the
ideals of her faith through her commitment to serving others; she
gave generously of her time and energy to the Angel Fund, a
Texarkana organization that provides support for cancer patients,
and she also volunteered with Watersprings Ranch, a charity
operating residential group homes for children in need; and
WHEREAS, Although Jana Kennedy is deeply missed, memories of
her beautiful smile and her warm and caring ways remain to comfort
and inspire all those who were privileged to share in the richness
of her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Jana Graves Kennedy and extend heartfelt sympathy to her relatives
and many friends; 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 Jana
Kennedy.
VanDeaver
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 52 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on August 15, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House