TITLE: In memory of Barbara Hart Nicholson of Abilene.

SUMMARY: In memory of Barbara Hart Nicholson of Abilene.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Barbara Hart Nicholson of Abilene on January 23, 2017, at the age of 79; and WHEREAS, The youngest of five children, the former Barbara Hart was born to H. E. and Charlotte Hart in Dallas on March 23, 1937; she graduated from Abilene High School in 1955 and subsequently earned a bachelor's degree in business education from Abilene Christian College; while an undergraduate, she met the love of her life, Randy Nicholson, and they were joined in matrimony on November 18, 1957; over the course of nearly six decades of marriage, the couple were blessed with a fine family that included their daughter, Randa, their son-in-law, Jeff, and their grandson, Braden; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Nicholson served as an instructor of typing, bookkeeping, and shorthand at Anson High School before being hired as chair of the business department at O. H. Cooper High School in Abilene, where she taught for five years; after the birth of her daughter in 1966, she devoted herself full-time to her home and her family; and WHEREAS, A gifted vocalist, Ms. Nicholson performed in vocal ensembles throughout high school and college, and she later sang with the Abilene Christian University Alumni Chorus and the choir at her local church; she also took great delight in painting, and her artworks became cherished gifts to her loved ones; in addition, she expressed her deep patriotism by organizing the Helping Our Heroes ministry, which ships care packages to members of the U.S. armed forces overseas, and she gave generously of her time coordinating luncheons for widows and widowers at Highland, University, and Oldham Lane Churches of Christ; and WHEREAS, Barbara Nicholson was a devoted wife and mother and a beloved member of her community, and though this vibrant, gracious woman will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a record of service that her loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Barbara Hart Nicholson and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family and to her many 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 Barbara Nicholson. Lambert Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1626 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 4, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House