88S30160 CW-D
By: Springer, Parker S.R. No. 7
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed state legislator has drawn
to a close with the passing of the Honorable Mary Craver Denny on
September 14, 2023, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, The former Mary Craver was born to Lois and Kenneth
Craver on July 9, 1948, and she was raised in Houston, where she was
a member of the Lamar High School Class of 1966; after attending The
University of Texas at Austin, she transferred to the University of
North Texas, graduating magna cum laude with degrees in elementary
education and mathematics; and
WHEREAS, Following her move to Denton, Ms. Denny was invited
to serve as the Republican precinct chair for her area, and she
chaired the Denton County Republican Party from 1983 until 1991;
the next year, she was elected to the Texas House of Representatives
for District 63, and she went on to serve her constituents for seven
terms, from 1993 to 2007; during her tenure, she was treasurer of
the House Republican Legislative Caucus, and she sat on numerous
committees, including those on elections, criminal jurisprudence,
financial institutions, agriculture and wildlife management, and
health and human services block grants; she further distinguished
herself as a board member for the Texas Conservative Coalition and
the Lone Star Leadership Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, Ms. Denny garnered a number of
accolades, including the Outstanding Texas Legislator Award, the
Common Cause Star of Service Award, and three Texas Eagle Forum
Freedom and Family Awards for her conservative voting record on
social and economic issues; she was also a four-time recipient of
both the Texas Ten Award and the Leader of Excellence Award from the
Free Enterprise PAC; civically engaged, she was appointed to the
University of North Texas Board of Regents, and she served on the
UNT President's Council and the UNT Foundation Board; she was
highly regarded for her work as a philanthropist and a community
volunteer, and she contributed her time and expertise to such
organizations as the Denton Benefit League, the United Way of
Denton County, and the City Federation of Women's Clubs; in
addition, she was involved with the Greater Denton Arts Council and
the Gaylord-Hughes Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Denny cherished time spent with her family,
which included her son, Bryan Denny, and his fiancée, Kelly
McCarty, her stepdaughter, Wenter Anderson, and her grandchildren,
McKenna and Christian Blair; her life was further enriched by her
wide circle of friends and by the companionship of her two beloved
dogs, Bishop and Gidget; and
WHEREAS, A stalwart champion of conservative Republican
values, Mary Denny served her fellow Texans with dedication,
integrity, and tenacity, and she leaves behind a legacy that will
long be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to know her;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd
Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Mary Craver Denny
and extend deepest condolences to all who mourn her passing; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of the Honorable Mary Craver Denny.