TITLE: In memory of Lucille DeWitt of Nacogdoches.

SUMMARY: In memory of Lucille DeWitt of Nacogdoches.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The city of Nacogdoches lost an admired civic leader with the death of Lucille Marie La Pointe DeWitt on October 9, 2015, at the age of 90; and WHEREAS, Born in Killingly, Connecticut, on October 8, 1925, the former Lucy La Pointe lived with the Colizzi family in Charlotte, Michigan, and worked as an au pair and soda jerk while completing high school; she later moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting and modeling; in 1948, she married Rich DeWitt, and they became the parents of five treasured children, Richard, Deborah, Candace, Cindy, and Jack; she eventually knew the joy of welcoming 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren into her family; and WHEREAS, The DeWitts moved to Waxahachie and then settled in Nacogdoches in 1957 to assist with the family business, DeWitt Hatcheries; in 1964, the couple opened their first KFC franchise, and they eventually expanded to a total of 70 locations across the state; Mrs. DeWitt became president of the company following her husband's death in 2006, and with a remarkable work ethic, she remained active in the business into her late 80s; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to her community, Mrs. DeWitt played a key role in the establishment of the Nacogdoches County Republican Women, and she served as president of the organization; she was a founding member of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Pink Ladies and board president of the physical rehabilitation center that the group helped develop; in addition, she was a member of the Samaritan Center board and a charter life member of the Nacogdoches Expo Center; she and her husband donated land to Stephen F. Austin State University for its nursing program, and in recognition of their support, the School of Nursing was named in their honor; moreover, Mrs. DeWitt sponsored Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers and donated funds for the restoration of a number of historic buildings; in 2006, she was inducted into the Stephen F. Austin Society, and among myriad accolades, she was named the 2008 Woman of the Year by the American Association of University Women; and WHEREAS, Lucy DeWitt made a lasting, positive impact in her community through her exceptional generosity and dedication, and she will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Lucille DeWitt and extend sincere condolences 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 Lucy DeWitt. Clardy Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 296 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 23, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House