87S30542 CW-D
By: Ramos H.R. No. 59
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Tonna Nan Taylor Duke on August 26, 2021, at the age of
77; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Roy and Audrey Taylor, the former
Tonna Taylor was born in Hope, Arkansas, on August 31, 1943, and
grew up with a sister, Carol; she exchanged wedding vows with George
Winston Duke, and they shared a rewarding marriage that spanned 57
years until his passing in 2019; Mrs. Duke was the devoted mother of
a daughter, Dee Ann, and she experienced the joy of welcoming a
grandson, Cole, into her treasured family; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Duke served as the girls' track and field coach
and a health teacher at Richardson High School; during her tenure,
she led her teams to many championships while instilling in her
players valuable leadership skills; in 2000, she retired from the
Richardson Independent School District as the assistant director of
athletics; along the way, she also coached for International Sports
Tours, taking elite-level, amateur athletes on competitive track
and field trips throughout Europe; and
WHEREAS, Widely respected by her peers, Mrs. Duke held a
number of important roles with the Texas Retired Teachers
Association, including legislative chair and legislative
coordinator; through her tireless work with TRTA, she served as a
dedicated mentor and voice for her fellow educators; among her
other affiliations, she was president of the Iota Nu chapter of
Delta Kappa Gamma and first vice president of the Richardson
Woman's Club, which she further benefited as a member of the
charitable foundation board; a woman of faith, she taught a Sunday
school class, sang in two choirs, and was part of the prison
ministry at First Baptist Richardson; and
WHEREAS, Generous and kindhearted, Tonna Duke made a
meaningful difference in the lives of others, and she leaves behind
a legacy that will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved
her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Tonna Nan Taylor Duke and extend sincere condolences to her
relatives and friends; 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 Tonna Duke.