SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 59 In Memory of Willie Fae Atkinson WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Florence in mourning the loss of Willie Fae Atkinson, who died July 2, 2021, at the age of 95; and WHEREAS, A Williamson County native, Willie Fae Reagor was born in her family's home on January 30, 1926; she began her education in Andice, Texas, and then transferred to Florence schools when the Andice School House closed; and WHEREAS, On May 25, 1945, Willie Fae married her lifelong love, Tom Atkinson; his military career took them to Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, and at the end of World War II, they relocated to College Station, where Tom attended Texas A&M University and Willie Fae worked as a telephone switchboard operator for Bryan Field; and WHEREAS, Upon Tom's graduation, the couple settled near Florence and began raising livestock; they were blessed with four children, and their 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren enriched her life immeasurably; and WHEREAS, Willie Fae took great joy in serving as a steward of her cherished community; she was the first female to serve on the Florence Independent School Board as a write-in candidate, and she served in numerous leadership positions during her 70 years as a congregant of the Florence Methodist Church; she served as a Girl Scout leader and held several offices with the Home Demonstration Club, and she was a delegate to the State Farm Bureau Convention; and WHEREAS, She was a woman of many talents, and she passed on her masterful skill as a seamstress to her daughters and granddaughters; she touched the lives of many through her loving spirit, and she enjoyed sharing the beautiful flowers and vegetables from her gardens with her family and friends; she was a treasured citizen, and she will long be remembered with respect and admiration by all who were privileged to share in her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Willie Fae Atkinson; 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 Willie Fae Atkinson. Buckingham ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 2, 2021, by a rising vote. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate