H.R. No. 107
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Shirley Smith Shoquist of Rockwall on June 28, 2021, at
the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Maurice D. Smith and Alpha Amanda
Torres Smith, the former Shirley Smith was born on October 1, 1936,
in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and she grew up with the companionship
of three siblings, Dale, Barbara, and Carol; in 1954, she graduated
from John Harris High School and later earned her bachelor's degree
in English and public speaking from Denison University; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Shoquist enjoyed a distinguished 20-year
career at Rockwall High School, where she taught English and
founded a speech and drama department; she was also a successful
speech and debate coach and coordinator for University
Interscholastic League competitions; in 1994, she was acknowledged
for her excellence by Who's Who Among America's Teachers; she
retired from Rockwall High in 1996 and continued teaching at
Richland College; in addition, she volunteered with the Pregnancy
Resource Center, and she was a member of the Retired Teachers
Association, Reviews Book Club, the Rockwall Literary Club,
Rockwall Supper Club, and Aspasians; a woman of deep faith, she was
active at First Baptist Church of Heath and, later, at Lakepointe
Church, and she hosted a weekly Bible study; and
WHEREAS, In all of her endeavors, Mrs. Shoquist enjoyed the
love and support of her husband, Bruce Shoquist, with whom she
shared a fulfilling marriage of 62 years; she took great pride in
her four children, Sheri, Steve, Stacy, and Shannon, and with the
passing years, she had the pleasure of seeing her family grow to
include eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to her family, her faith, and her
community, Shirley Shoquist earned the lasting respect and
admiration of all who were privileged to know her; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Shirley Smith Shoquist and extend sincere condolences to her
loved ones; 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 Shirley
Shoquist.
Holland
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 107 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on September 2, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House