85S10984 BK-D By: Price H.R. No. 68 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The life of a compassionate and courageous woman drew to a close with the passing of Pamela Kaye Washington of Austin on June 26, 2017, at the age of 60; and WHEREAS, Born on December 4, 1956, the former Pamela Baber was the daughter of Lucious Baber and Esther Grey; as a child, she witnessed her mother's struggles with heart disease, and she subsequently fought her own battle with cardiovascular problems; after learning of her family's genetic predisposition to such illnesses, she became actively involved with the American Heart Association; and WHEREAS, A tireless advocate for public policies that promote good nutrition and cardiovascular health, Mrs. Washington lobbied on behalf of the AHA in the nation's capital, worked to build support for constructive proposals in the Texas Legislature, and chaired the AHA's Austin Grassroots Action Team; in addition, she served as a national spokesperson for Go Red for Women, and she shared her personal story of heart disease and AHA activism as a member of the campaign's 2015-2016 class of "Real Women"; passionately committed to empowering individuals, she fostered awareness of healthy lifestyles and encouraged people to take a more proactive role in protecting their health; and WHEREAS, Throughout her life, this dynamic Texan sought out ways to help others in her community; she volunteered for more than 14 years with the Boy Scouts of America, vigorously promoted engagement in the electoral process, and held the office of deputy registrar for Travis County for 6 years; she also served the State of Texas with great dedication, working for two decades as an enforcement officer with the Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; following her retirement from that job, she enjoyed success as an entrepreneur, running her own tax consulting firm, Washington Business Ventures; and WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to her family, Mrs. Washington was the caring mother of three children, Ayshia, Jerel, and Terence, who preceded his mother in death, as well as a doting grandmother; her life was further enriched by the support and affection of her husband, Larry, and by many friends who loved and cherished her; and WHEREAS, An outspoken believer in the importance of not only surviving but thriving, Pamela Washington modeled that belief through her generous efforts to make the world around her a better place, and she will forever be remembered with admiration by those she leaves behind; 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 Pamela Kaye Washington and extend sincere condolences 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 Pamela Kaye Washington.