H.R. No. 291
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The 100th birthday of an esteemed Texan is truly
cause for celebration, and Essie Beatrice Stephens of Houston
reached that impressive milestone on February 3, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Born in Hosston, Louisiana, in 1919, Mrs. Stephens
and her sister were raised by their maternal grandparents in Caddo
Parish, Louisiana, where they attended school at Mt. Olive Baptist
Church; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Stephens was joined in matrimony to Luther
Hoosin Stephens in 1939, and she shared her life with him for 31
years until his death in 1970; she is the mother of three daughters,
Erma Ballenger, Agnes Parham, and the late Louise Peters, and she
has also been a mother to Rosetta Mayes; over the years, she has
been further blessed with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and
great-great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Houston, Mrs. Stephens was
actively engaged in the Independence Heights neighborhood, and she
previously worked for several families as a housekeeper; a
wonderful seamstress, she is skilled at designing, sewing, and
altering everything from children's clothing to wedding gowns; she
is also an expert gardener, renowned for her watermelons, okra,
tomatoes, green beans, and collard and mustard greens; deeply
devoted to her faith, she has been a valued member of Good Hope
Missionary Baptist Church for nearly 80 years; and
WHEREAS, A source of wisdom and inspiration, Essie Stephens
has witnessed a panorama of change during a historic century, and
her 100th birthday offers a welcome opportunity for her loved ones
to acknowledge the special place she holds in their hearts; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Essie Beatrice Stephens on her
100th birthday and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mrs. Stephens as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Johnson of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 291 was adopted by the House on March
13, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House