89R24636 AMB-D
By: Simmons H.R. No. 869
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
passing of Malania Watson Butler of Houston on March 21, 2025, at
the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 19, 1950, in the small town of
Ganado, the former Malania Watson was the daughter of Barbara
Overton and Lenard Watson; she grew up with the companionship of
seven siblings, Walter, Susan, Diane, Cynthia Faye, Veronica,
Jaqueline, and Waymon, and she devoted herself to her faith at an
early age as a member of True Light Baptist Church in Houston; while
attending Miller Junior Senior High School, she met James Edward
Middleton Jr., and the pair later married and raised two children,
James and Kim; after that marriage ended, she was fortunate enough
to find love again, and she wed James Junior Butler in August 2002
and went on to share with him nearly 23 years; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Butler worked as a sales representative at
Dillard's before later retiring as an accounting clerk for Sears;
she was an enthusiastic advocate for labor unions, and she attended
several AFL-CIO conventions; her lifelong commitment to service was
also evident in her volunteer work as a receptionist at Riceville
Mount Olive Baptist Church and in her involvement in various voter
registration drives, voter education sessions, and Get Out the Vote
rallies; and
WHEREAS, In her leisure time, Mrs. Butler took pleasure in
shopping, dancing, and listening to music; above all else, she
cherished the time she spent with her family, which grew to include
three grandchildren, Kristie Jaye, Keisha, and Kimdrell, five
great-grandchildren, Karter, Phoenix, David, Olivia, and Priest,
and many nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Although she is deeply missed, the passage of time
will never diminish the joy and love that Malania Butler brought
into the lives of all who knew her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Malania Watson
Butler and extend heartfelt condolences to her family 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 Malania
Butler.