H.R. No. 696
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of Mary Jane Hamilton of Allen on April 26,
2024, at the age of 79; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Pat and Lucy Hamilton, MJ Hamilton
was born in Denton on October 24, 1944, and she grew up with the
companionship of a younger brother, Jim; after graduating from
Denton Senior High School in 1962, she earned a bachelor's degree
from Texas Christian University and a master's degree in education
from the University of North Texas; she then went on to obtain
administration certificates and to become a licensed professional
counselor; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of a 30-year tenure with the
Arlington Independent School District, Ms. Hamilton was an
elementary school teacher, counselor, associate psychologist, and
staff development coordinator, and she also worked with special
education students; and
WHEREAS, Active in the Texas Retired Teachers Association,
Ms. Hamilton served on various committees and in numerous
leadership roles at the local, district, and state levels; she
ultimately joined the TRTA staff, planning state conventions and
events; in recognition of her efforts, she was posthumously honored
with the E. L. Galyean Award by TRTA in 2025; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hamilton further benefited her community as a
board member of the Allen Heritage Guild, All Community Outreach,
and the Allen Public Library, and she held leadership positions
with such organizations as the Allen chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International and the Scarlet O'Hatters of Allen chapter of
the Red Hat Society; and
WHEREAS, In her leisure time, Ms. Hamilton enjoyed
traveling, reading, and attending musicals, both in Dallas and in
New York City; a woman of devout faith, she grew up and was baptized
in the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Denton, and she most
recently attended Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco; and
WHEREAS, MJ Hamilton lived a caring and purposeful life, and
she will forever be remembered with admiration and affection by all
who held her close to their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Mary Jane Hamilton
and extend sincere condolences to her many 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
MJ Hamilton.
Leach
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 696 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 9, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House