TITLE: In memory of Dr. Alice Gayle Hudgens of Hays.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. Alice Gayle Hudgens of Hays.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Hays City Council member Dr. Alice Gayle Hudgens on November 5, 2024, at the age of 83; and WHEREAS, The daughter of J. Don Hudgens and Evelyn Magrill Hudgens, Gayle Hudgens was born in Artesia, New Mexico, on April 20, 1941; growing up in a military household that moved frequently, she demonstrated resilience and a sense of curiosity that led to a devotion to lifelong learning; after attending the University of New Mexico, she continued her education at The University of Texas at Austin, earning master's degrees in both Latin American studies and library science, as well as a doctorate in educational administration; she was a Ford Foundation Scholar and successfully pursued further studies in sustainability and in business and personal coaching; at the time of the Kennedy assassination in 1963, she was an assistant press secretary to Governor John Connally; she later worked as a reference librarian for UT's Latin American Collection and became a prolific author and scholar; and WHEREAS, Dr. Hudgens was an ardent activist, engaging in the founding of the North Texas Greens and the Emerging Public Issues Corporation; she championed whistleblowing against government corruption and reported on a radioactive landfill on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in a seven-part newspaper series; dedicated to her community, she was a regional registrar for the Daughters of the American Revolution and wrote a gardening column for the Hays Free Press in Hays County for many years; her love of nature extended to a host of pets, including cats, dogs, and goats, and her spiritual journey eventually culminated in her embrace of Quakerism; in all her endeavors, she enjoyed the love and support of her husband of more than four decades, Harvey Davis; and WHEREAS, Although Gayle Hudgens is deeply missed, those she left behind will continue to find inspiration in her warmth, zest for knowledge, and commitment to fostering peace, health, and happiness for all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Alice Gayle Hudgens and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her husband, Harvey L. Davis Jr.; to her children, Hal Watson III and his wife, Nancy, and Amy Logan; to her stepson, Robert Davis; to her grandchildren, Brett, Wendy, and Ross Watson and Vaughan Logan; and to her 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 Gayle Hudgens. Zwiener Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 522 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 31, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House