TITLE: In memory of Thora Brigance Payne of Webster.

SUMMARY: In memory of Thora Brigance Payne of Webster.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever cherish their memories of Thora Brigance Payne of Webster, who passed away on June 17, 2022, at the age of 97; and WHEREAS, Born in Knott on June 16, 1925, to Theodore and May Couch Brigance, the former Thora Brigance grew up with six siblings, Jean, Edward, Vasta, Veda, Edith, and Nina; she graduated in 1943 from Wellman High School, where she met the love of her life, Vernon C. Payne; she attended Texas Tech University while he was serving in the army, and upon being reunited, the couple wed on September 15, 1945; during their 57 years of marriage, they raised two children, Kippy and Doak, and their family later grew to include a granddaughter, Kristy, and two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Graham; and WHEREAS, As newlyweds, Mrs. Payne and her husband moved to Andrews, where he coached the high school basketball team and she ran a children's clothing store, The Little Shop; she became actively involved in her children's activities, volunteering as a den mother, a Girl Scout troop leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a tennis instructor; she was a woman of boundless energy, and between shuttling her children to their golf and tennis tournaments, she found time to cook gourmet meals and to hit a hole in one on the golf course; and WHEREAS, The family eventually moved to Waco when Mr. Payne accepted a position with the Waco Independent School District; there, Mrs. Payne served as an officer in both the Lake Waco Golf Association and the Central Texas Women's Golf Association, and she became a nursing home director at Hill Haven; she and Mr. Payne were fond of playing bridge, hosting game nights with friends at their home on Lake Waco, and tending to their beautiful garden together; and WHEREAS, Through her optimism and generosity of spirit, Thora Payne brightened the world for all who were fortunate enough to know her, and she will forever hold a treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Thora Brigance Payne and extend deepest sympathy to her loved ones; 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 Thora Payne. Paul Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1192 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 28, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House