SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 380
In Memory
of
Sudie Todd Blackburn
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Sudie Todd Blackburn, who died
October 26, 2018, at the age of 97; and
WHEREAS, Sudie Blackburn was an exemplary citizen who was
widely respected and admired for her outstanding achievements
and her many contributions to the fabric of life in the
Brownsville community; and
WHEREAS, She was born on April 21, 1921, in Port Arthur, to
Clifton Marcus Todd and Marie Berenice Rivette Todd; she and her
beloved husband of more than four decades, the late Cyrus E.
Blackburn, married in 1939, and they were blessed with two
children, Bonnie Holland and John Blackburn; her granddaughter,
Amy, and her nieces, nephews, and many cousins were a source of
much pride and joy for her; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Blackburn and her family settled in
Brownsville in 1949 after a decade of traveling the world as part
of Mr. Blackburn's career with Pan American Airways; they
established a successful business, which eventually was known as
Blackburn Home Electronics; after Cyrus died, Sudie continued to
operate the business until her retirement in 1993; and
WHEREAS, A respected community leader, Sudie was elected
to the Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustees
in 1959 and served with distinction until 1971; she played an
important role in the integration of the city's schools and in
ensuring that students of all races and backgrounds were treated
fairly; she chaired the committee that was responsible for the
bond election that led to the creation of Hanna High School; and
WHEREAS, She was a charter member of the Zonta Club of
Brownsville and a longtime member of the West Brownsville Garden
Club; she was elected district governor of the Texas Garden Clubs
and was asked to work with Lady Bird Johnson on the campaign to
beautify Texas highways; and
WHEREAS, A woman of courage, strength, and generosity, she
gave unselfishly to others, and her wisdom, her grace, and her
enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be
forgotten; and
WHEREAS, She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother,
and she leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by
her family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Sudie Todd Blackburn; 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 Sudie Blackburn.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 12, 2019, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate