TITLE: In memory of Oliver Brown.

SUMMARY: In memory of Oliver Brown.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of noted coach and educator Oliver Brown, who died recently; and WHEREAS, Oliver "Show" Brown was born to Leola and Remble Brown in Bigelow, Arkansas; he grew up in Kansas City and moved to Texas to attend Texas Southern University; and WHEREAS, He was a standout track and field athlete and football player at the university and was a cocaptain of its 1952 championship football team; after completing his studies, he entered the United States Army and served the nation with distinction in Korea; and WHEREAS, After his military service, he returned to Texas to his college sweetheart, Ramona Morgan, and they were married on December 28, 1955; and WHEREAS, He began his career in education in La Marque but soon moved to Houston, where he established a tradition of excellence at Worthing High School as the longtime head coach of its boys' and girls' track teams, which won multiple championships; long before the advent of Title IX, he was one of the pioneers of girls' track in Houston, and he was inducted into the Houston Coaches Association Hall of Honor; and WHEREAS, Coach Brown insisted that his student-athletes excel in the classroom as well as on the athletic field; he implemented a "no pass, no play" model years before the legislature enacted it into law because he knew the value of education to the future success of his students; and WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced his faith in his daily life, Coach Brown was a member of Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he served on the board of trustees and the Men's Day committee and initiated mathematics tutorials for students; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and determination, he gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in his life; and WHEREAS, He was a loving husband to his late wife, Ramona, and a devoted father to his children, Tselane and Oliver, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Oliver Brown; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Oliver Brown. Ellis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 23, 2013, by a rising vote.