TITLE: In memory of Dr. Jane Nelson, former Humble ISD principal.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. Jane Nelson, former Humble ISD principal.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Esteemed educator Dr. Jane Nelson of Dolen made a lasting positive impact on the Humble Independent School District during her lifetime, and her passing on November 1, 2014, at the age of 79 deeply saddened the entire community; and WHEREAS, In the early 1970s, Dr. Nelson was hired by the district to help administer new requirements for special education, and in 1975, she was appointed as the founding principal of Woodland Hills Elementary School in Kingwood; she assembled a capable and cohesive team there, and four years later she was chosen to open another new school, Oaks Elementary; subsequently, she was selected as principal of North Belt Elementary School; throughout her career, she was a fierce champion for students and a wonderful mentor to her staff, yet she never hesitated to make the tough choices required to improve the quality of instruction; and WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan retired from the district in 1995, but she continued to work in behalf of public education as an advocate at the State Capitol, and she served as president of the Humble Area Retired Teachers Association; moreover, she was a charter member of both the Lambda Delta and Mu Pi Chapters of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, and she was the inaugural president of Mu Pi; she received the Chapter Achievement and State Achievement Awards for distinguished service, and a state scholarship was named for her; in addition, the cafeteria at Oaks Elementary was designated Nelson Hall in her honor; she was a Life Member of the PTA and of the National Elementary Principal Association; she further benefited her fellow citizens as a member of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature and the Cleveland Women's Center, and she was a member of Dolen Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, Born in 1935, the former Patricia Jane Hooks grew up on Houston's Northside; she studied history and political science at the University of Houston, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees; after teaching high school social studies in Cleveland, she completed a second master's degree in psychology and counseling at Adams State University in Colorado, and she later received her doctorate; and WHEREAS, Through her tireless endeavors to benefit young Texans and her commitment to public education, Jane Nelson earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her contributions to the Humble Independent School District will continue to resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Jane Nelson and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her son, David Kirkham, and her stepchildren, Darcy Nelson Shackelford and Lance Edward Nelson; to her grandchildren, Angela Kirkham Sheets, J. W. and Hayley Kirkham, and Jon, Cara, Jeff, and Barrett Shackelford; and to her great-grandchildren, Austin, Alyssa, Wyatt, and Layten Sheets; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Jane Nelson. Huberty Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 539 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 5, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House