TITLE: Recognizing Marguerite Smith Latson on the occasion of her 80th birthday.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Marguerite Smith Latson on the occasion of her 80th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Mrs. Marguerite Smith Latson on the grand occasion of her 80th birthday; and WHEREAS, Marguerite Smith was born to Hattie Bell Smith and Charlie Perry Smith; she grew up in Houston's historic Fifth Ward and graduated with honors from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1953; and WHEREAS, After her graduation, she met and married Ezekiel "Zeak" Latson; the couple was blessed with 13 children of their own and later took in her sister's four daughters to raise; and WHEREAS, Committed to the principle that education should be a top priority in life, Mrs. Latson took a vital interest in her children's school activities and made sure she attended every program and event in which they took part; she was the first African American to serve on the Houston Independent School District's Parental Advisory Board; she proudly watched each of her children graduate from high school and attend college, and she has been blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practices her faith in her daily life, she is a longtime, devoted member of Bringhurst Street Good News Church, which named her Mother of the Year in 1982 and 1997 and later bestowed on her the title of Church Mother; and WHEREAS, She is respected and admired throughout her Fifth Ward community for her tireless work as a mentor and guide to children of the Hutton Street neighborhood; she is noted for her courage and her compassion for others, and her enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest is an inspiration to all who know her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend Mrs. Marguerite Smith Latson on her many achievements and extend to her best wishes for a memorable 80th birthday celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Ellis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 4, 2015.