TITLE: In memory of Annie Mae Charles of Galveston.

SUMMARY: In memory of Annie Mae Charles of Galveston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The city of Galveston lost a beloved resident with the death of Annie Mae Charles on April 28, 2015, at the age of 102; and WHEREAS, The former Annie Mae Fielder was born in Washington, Texas, on April 16, 1913, to Phillip and Willie Mae Bennett Fielder; she graduated from Brenham High School and went on to attend the College for Blacks in Houston; in 1932, she moved to Galveston, where she worked as the head cook at the Jack Tar Hotel for 10 years; and WHEREAS, In 1944, she was joined in marriage to Moses Charles, and she became the mother of two daughters, Beverly Ann and Betty Jo; later in life, she was blessed with three granddaughters and two great-grandsons; and WHEREAS, From 1962 to 1977, Mrs. Charles served as a juvenile officer for the Galveston Police Department, helping to oversee security in area schools; as the department's first female officer, she was as much a child welfare worker as a policewoman, often going out of her way to help children find a way to a better life; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Charles was also active in her community as a member of numerous boards and committees, as a Girl Scout leader, and as a PTA president; she helped organize Galveston's first Juneteenth celebration, and the annual Juneteenth picnic at Wright Cuney Park is named in her honor, as is the street where she and her husband resided for many years; and WHEREAS, A woman of strong religious faith, Mrs. Charles was a longtime member of the Progressive Baptist Church, and she served as president of the Usher Board and as chair of the State Area Ushers of the Missionary Baptist Convention of Texas; and WHEREAS, A devoted wife and mother, a pioneering peace officer, and a leader in her community, Annie Mae Charles lived a rich and purposeful life, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Annie Mae Charles and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her daughter, Beverly Charles Lewis; to her granddaughters, Stacey Roberts and her husband, Johnny, Surnetra Earnest, and Alifia Taylor and her husband, Sigee; to her great-grandsons, Gregory T. Wilson Jr. and Earnest J. Taylor; to her nieces, Johnetta Pitts and Eleanor Joubert; and to her many other 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 Annie Mae Charles. Faircloth Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2993 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 30, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House