89R2276 CJM-D
By: Cole H.R. No. 26
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The family and friends of Ara La'Shon Duke suffered
an immeasurable loss with her death on June 15, 2024, at the age of
54; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Marsha Garnett-Halmon and Carl
Walker, Ara Duke was born on October 26, 1969, in Dallas; she shared
in the companionship of three siblings, Ismail Rashid-Walker, Carla
Walker, and Brandon Halmon, and her family also included her
stepparents, Blanche Walker and Melvin Halmon; she attended Justin
F. Kimball High School, where she was a drill team lieutenant, and
after graduating in 1988, she continued her education at Texas A&M
University and earned a bachelor's degree in organizational
management from Ashford University; and
WHEREAS, In the course of a successful career, Mrs. Duke
worked for the SouthWest Water Company and Lonestar Social
Services; she subsequently pursued her passion for education,
serving as the director of the First Steps Discovery Learning
Center and as a teacher and leader at IDEA Rundberg; she took an
active role in her community through her involvement with NPH USA,
Black Women in Business, and Mission Accomplished, among other
organizations; a woman of faith, she was a member of the
congregation at Restoration Christian Ministry International
Church and served in the women's, children's, and intercessory
prayer ministries; and
WHEREAS, She married the love of her life, Christopher Duke,
in 2002, and the couple became the proud parents of a daughter,
Alena, the following year; in her leisure hours, Mrs. Duke enjoyed
traveling, reading, trying out new restaurants, and watching Black
cinema and her favorite television franchise, Star Trek; she was
also a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys; and
WHEREAS, Admired for her warmth, her generosity of spirit,
and her sparkling personality, Ara Duke brightened the world for
all who knew her, and they will forever hold her close in their
hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Ara La'Shon Duke and
extend heartfelt sympathy 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 House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ara Duke.