H.R. No. 2528
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close
with the passing of Essie Beatrice Thomas Martin on May 7, 2023, at
the age of 100; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Fannie and Sim Thomas, the former
Essie Thomas was born in Jonesville, Louisiana, on June 1, 1922, and
grew up with eight brothers and sisters; she earned a bachelor's
degree in education from Grambling University and joined her
siblings in Oakland, California; on April 20, 1946, she returned to
Louisiana to marry her hometown sweetheart, Theodule "TD" Martin,
and they were blessed with two children, Theodule "Dell" and
Doeveal; and
WHEREAS, The Martins lived in Archie, Louisiana, and Denver,
Colorado, before settling in Basile, Louisiana, where Mrs. Martin
taught sixth grade at William W. Stewart High School; the family
relocated to California in 1969, and she became a counselor at
Antelope Valley High School; she ultimately retired from Palmdale
High School, and she and her husband enjoyed extensive travel and
undertook especially memorable trips to the Caribbean, Paris, and
Spain; active in her community, she was a co-founder of the Antelope
Valley Juliettes and supported her former students in their
endeavors; she was a woman of strong faith and a valued member of
Growing Valley Church and, later, Agape Community Church; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Martin was the devoted grandmother of Jamila
Nightingale and Angel Martin; she and her husband shared a
fulfilling relationship until his passing, and she then resided
with her son's family and with a granddaughter before staying in
Garland under the care of her great-niece, Cora C. McClendon, and
her daughter, Aisha J. McClendon; warm and caring, she kept in touch
with family members all around the world; and
WHEREAS, Although Essie Martin is deeply missed, she has left
her loved ones 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 Essie Beatrice Thomas
Martin and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to
her son, Theodule "Dell" Martin, and his wife, Linda
Jacobus-Martin; to her granddaughters, Jamila Nightingale and her
husband, Cory Smith, and Angel Martin; to her five
great-grandchildren, Donovan Smith, Kayla Smith, Shannon Smith,
Kiah Smith, and Sanaa Smith; to her godsons, Howard Harris and Danny
Ray Southall; and to her 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 Essie
Martin.
Neave Criado
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2528 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 29, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House