H.R. No. 1310
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The family and friends of Tessa RaeShun Pettigrew
suffered an immeasurable loss with her death on March 31, 2023, at
the age of 45; and
WHEREAS, A native of Dallas, the former Tessa Birdine was
born to Melba McGaha and Homer Lavern Birdine Sr. on August 17,
1977, and grew up sharing in the companionship of two brothers,
Homer and Tyson; she graduated from Berkner High School in
Richardson in 1995 and went on to study fashion merchandising and
business at the University of North Texas; she later earned a
master's degree in education; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Pettigrew worked for a number of companies,
including Zales, JCPenney, and One Technologies before discovering
her passion for teaching; she began her career in education at
Berkner High School in 2008, and during her time there, she mentored
new teachers, taught marketing and business courses, and took part
in the dance team, AVID, and DECA programs; she subsequently served
as an assistant principal at Forest Meadow Junior High School and as
a department chair and principal at Lake Highlands High School; and
WHEREAS, On July 10, 2004, she married Nathaniel Pettigrew,
and she took great pride in her children, Tre, Joshe, Mason, Anaula,
and Brielle, and her grandchildren, Tre, Avianna, Myles, and
Mallory; moreover, she was a valued member of New Mount Zion Baptist
Church; and
WHEREAS, Although Tessa Pettigrew is greatly missed, this
beloved woman has left her family and friends with many cherished
memories, and she will forever hold a special place in their hearts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Tessa RaeShun
Pettigrew and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of her
family: to her husband, Nathaniel Pettigrew; to her mother, Melba
McGaha; to her children, Tre and Joshe Jackson and Mason, Anaula,
and Brielle Pettigrew; to her grandchildren, Tre, Avianna, Myles,
and Mallory Jackson; to her brothers, Homer Lavern Birdine Jr. and
Tyson Timms; 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 Tessa
Pettigrew.
Meyer
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1310 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 6, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House