TITLE: In memory of Lori Cheryl Saunders Broughton.

SUMMARY: In memory of Lori Cheryl Saunders Broughton.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Dr. Lori Cheryl Saunders Broughton, who died November 4, 2022, at the age of 62; and WHEREAS, Lori Saunders was born on June 30, 1960, in Houston, and she grew up in Baytown; a highly esteemed leader in public education, she led a distinguished career as an educator and school administrator, and she was a bright light in the lives of her students, her colleagues, and her many loved ones; and WHEREAS, Lori earned a bachelor's degree in education from The University of Texas at Austin in 1982, and that same year, she was joined in marriage with the love of her life, Ben Broughton; She began her career as an educator by serving as a teacher at Crosby Elementary School before accepting a position at Ashbel Elementary School in Baytown; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to the profession of teaching, Lori continued to pursue her own education and acquired a master's degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1986; the following year, she and her husband were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Whitney; and WHEREAS, Lori was a loving and devoted mother, and she cherished spending time with her young daughter; during this time she served as an employee of the University of Houston-Clear Lake before later joining the faculty of Armand Bayou Elementary School, where she served as a third grade teacher; she later accepted a position as the assistant principal at Brookwood Elementary School; and WHEREAS, Noted for her engaging leadership and her enthusiastic approach to working with faculty, students, and staff, Lori was appointed to serve as principal of Silverlake Elementary School in the Pearland Independent School District; during her first year as principal, she began pursuing a doctorate degree in psychology at Texas A&M University, and she graduated in 2004; and WHEREAS, Lori led Sam Jamison Middle School and McWhirter Elementary School during the last decade of her career before retiring in 2014 from Westbrook Middle School; her passion for contributing to the quality of public education helped to foster a sense of mission and camaraderie among administrators, teachers, parents, and students, and her wisdom, dedication, and uncompromising work ethic made her an invaluable asset to each of the institutions she served; and WHEREAS, Lori and Ben shared 40 years of joyful marriage, and together they raised their daughter with an abundance of love; before retiring, Lori and Ben purchased a property near Dripping Springs, where they established their family home on the BLazy 7 Ranch; Lori found great fulfillment in her home and in time spent with family, and she also volunteered her time as a mentor to future teachers; and WHEREAS, A woman of grace, strength, and determination, Lori was an example to others through her generous and compassionate spirit and her commitment to upholding her values; she was a source of inspiration to those around her and made a positive and lasting difference in the lives of countless teachers and students, and her memory will be forever treasured by her loving family and friends and by all who were privileged to share in her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. Lori Cheryl Saunders Broughton; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Lori Broughton. Hancock President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 16, 2023, by a rising vote.