88R23649 BPG-D
By: Jones of Dallas H.R. No. 1171
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
passing of admired South Dallas restaurateur Elaine Patricia
Campbell on April 9, 2023, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Richard and Louise Campbell, Elaine
Campbell was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 4, 1950, and grew
up with seven siblings; she worked in arts and crafts and
demonstrated exceptional talent in the culinary realm; as a young
mother of two, she migrated to the United States with her sons and
her sister, Colleen, and helped one of her brothers manage his
restaurant in New York; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Campbell and her sister moved to Dallas and
opened Elaine's Kitchen on Martin Luther King Boulevard in 1987;
her Jamaican cuisine won a dedicated following, and the restaurant
earned numerous accolades, including recognition by D Magazine as
one of the city's Best Neighborhood Restaurants; in addition,
Ms. Campbell received several awards for her service to the
community; she graciously served everyone who walked through the
doors, even if they could not afford to pay, and extended help to
people when they were struggling; over the years, she provided
housing assistance and financial support to many individuals, along
with plenty of love and encouragement, and she donated food and
funds to multiple community organizations, as well as neighborhood
schools; she was a longtime member of the Dallas Black Chamber of
Commerce and the Caribbean Association; and
WHEREAS, The mother of two biological sons, Richie and Gary,
Ms. Campbell adopted two more, Nicholas and Obrian, and she played
a maternal role in the lives of a host of nieces, nephews,
grandchildren, and countless others; she was a marvelous confidant
and endeared herself to all with her laughter and warm smile; for
her 70th birthday, a large circle of friends and relatives traveled
to Jamaica with her for a spectacular celebration; she enjoyed
traveling when she had the opportunity, and she loved cooking,
baking, and watching football; and
WHEREAS, Elaine Campbell brightened the world for all who
knew her, and although she is deeply missed, her kindness and
compassion will remain a lasting source of inspiration; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Elaine Patricia
Campbell and extend sincere condolences to the members of her
family: to her biological sons, Calvin "Richie" Hamilton and
Orville "Gary" Hamilton; to her adopted sons, Nicholas and Obrian;
to her siblings, Colleen, Shirley, Claudette, Phillip, and Derek;
to her grandchildren; and to her many other 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 Elaine
Campbell.