TITLE: In memory of Betty Baker.

SUMMARY: In memory of Betty Baker.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Betty Baker, who died on January 30, 2017; and WHEREAS, Betty Baker was born in 1933 in Georgetown to Dillard and Ila Gower; a 1950 graduate of Austin High School, she attended Southwest Texas State University; and WHEREAS, She enjoyed a long and productive career serving the citizens of Austin; she began her time in public service as a stenographer with the City of Austin, but she was soon promoted to a position within the city's Planning and Zoning Department, where she was best known for spearheading the creation of the Historic Preservation Office; and WHEREAS, Under her leadership, the office was responsible for preserving more than 400 landmark structures; she was dedicated to her work in saving and rehabilitating the city's Moonlight Towers as well as in highlighting the important contributions African Americans made to Austin's history; and WHEREAS, She played an important role in the creation of the East 6th Street Historic District and the Congress Avenue Historic District, and after retiring from city service, she served with distinction as chair of the Planning Commission and later as chair of the Zoning and Platting Commission; and WHEREAS, A woman of courage, strength, and fearless determination, she gave unselfishly to others, and her wisdom, her dedication to public service, and her enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by her family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Betty Baker; 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 Betty Baker. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 21, 2017, by a rising vote.