SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 263
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Rest Lawn Cemetery in Houston, which has received the
Historic Texas Cemetery designation; and
WHEREAS, Rest Lawn is one of the oldest cemeteries in the
historically African American community of Acres Homes, an area
that by the 1950s was considered to be the largest unincorporated
Negro community in the southern United States; located about 12
miles northwest of downtown Houston, the area was developed by
businessman Alfred A. Wright starting in 1910 and was finally
annexed to the City of Houston in the period of years from 1967 to
1974; and
WHEREAS, Many of the city's African American community
leaders of the post-emancipation era are buried in the cemetery,
including veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Korean
War along with Texas native Weldon "Juke Boy" Bonner, an African
American blues singer and musician; and
WHEREAS, Rest Lawn Cemetery has been lovingly cared for
over the years by such volunteer groups as Second Chance
Outreach, Incorporated, and the Iota Iota Iota Chapter of Omega
Psi Phi Fraternity; and
WHEREAS, Rest Lawn Cemetery is a key historical site in
Houston; its designation as a Historic Texas Cemetery signifies
for future generations the importance of the cemetery in the
historical memory of this state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize the historical significance of
Rest Lawn Cemetery and extend to all associated with the cemetery
congratulations on its designation as a Historic Texas Cemetery;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of Rest Lawn Cemetery.
Whitmire
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 25, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate