TITLE: Honoring the life of Althea Lewis Renfro of Houston.

SUMMARY: Honoring the life of Althea Lewis Renfro of Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Althea Lewis Renfro of Houston, an esteemed educator and friend to many, passed away on December 27, 2012, at the age of 85; and WHEREAS, Born in Houston on February 10, 1927, to Elijah and Martha Lewis, "AlphaBelle" Lewis attended Bruce Elementary School and Phillis Wheatley High School, where she was active in the Purple and White Squadron and Wheatley's Lovable Troubadours; graduating at the age of 15, she enrolled at Texas Southern University and went on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as her teaching certification in chemistry, physical science, general science, homemaking, kindergarten, and elementary education; and WHEREAS, This industrious young woman initially taught in Louisiana before returning to Texas and joining the staff of the Double Bayou School in Anahuac; she subsequently went to work for the Houston Independent School District, and during long tenures at Crawford and Hohl Elementary Schools, Mrs. Renfro served as a positive influence on many young people; admired for her leadership, she chaired the Faculty Advisory Council at Crawford Elementary and was the United Negro College Fund school representative; and WHEREAS, In addition to her professional achievements, Mrs. Renfro served as the pianist for three different churches and directed the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church senior choir and male chorus; she was a gifted and prolific poet as well who authored more than 300 poems and composed several gospel songs; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Renfro participated in a variety of worthwhile organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the National Teachers Association, the National Education Association, the LaVioleta Social and Charity Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star; she assisted the Red Cross and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau as a volunteer, and she established the Ted Taylor Fan Club, a group that sponsored field trips and cultural outings for teens in the Fifth Ward; and WHEREAS, The mother of three children, she was also a devoted mother figure to the children of her two blended families; before becoming the beloved wife of Porter Renfro, Jr., she supported her children in numerous activities, attending countless football games, marching band performances, and Girl Scout campouts; later, she and Mr. Renfro became known as "Mommadear" and "Granddaddy" to their close-knit circle of loved ones; during their 40 years together, the couple traveled extensively and hosted many gatherings in their home; and WHEREAS, Althea Renfro made a meaningful difference in the world around her, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire others for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Althea Lewis Renfro and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her children, Algenita Segars and her husband, Ardie, and Jacky Scott and his wife, Cynthia; to her grandchildren, Marthea Davis, Jackea M. Scott, and John W. Davis IV; to her stepchildren, Ronald Bennett and his wife, Joyce, David Earl Renfro, Pat Renfro, Porter Renfro III, and Porter Renfro IV; 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 Althea Lewis Renfro. Dutton Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 112 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 18, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House