TITLE: In memory of Dr. Rogers O'Neil Whitmire of Houston.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. Rogers O'Neil Whitmire of Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The city of Houston lost an accomplished physician and civic leader with the passing of Dr. Rogers O'Neil Whitmire on May 1, 2015, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, Rogers Whitmire was born in Houston on August 30, 1945, to Joseph and Rosa Fae Whitmire; a member of the Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1963, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Prairie View A&M College in 1967 and went on to complete a master's degree and his M.D. at Michigan State University; in addition, he earned the distinction of becoming the first African American to complete the obstetrics and gynecology program at Baylor College of Medicine; and WHEREAS, In 1977, Dr. Whitmire became the first African American to establish a private practice at the Texas Medical Center, and he later moved his office to South Main Street, where he continued to work until his passing; during a career that spanned nearly four decades, he treated countless area residents and delivered more than 5,000 babies; he further distinguished himself as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CHRISTUS St. Joseph Hospital; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his community, Dr. Whitmire served on the board of directors of the NAACP Houston Branch for many years, and he was a life member of that organization and of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as well as a longtime congregant of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, Dr. Whitmire shared a rewarding marriage with his wife, Elsie, and he counted among his many blessings a treasured family that included two children, Michael and Judith, and three grandchildren, Savannah, Sascha, and Solomon; and WHEREAS, Rogers Whitmire was a significant asset to his community and an inspiring role model to many, and he leaves behind a record of service that his loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Rogers O'Neil Whitmire and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Elsie Whitmire; to his children, Michael Whitmire and Dr. Judith Enders; to his grandchildren, Savannah, Sascha, and Solomon Enders; to his brother, Dr. Gerald Whitmire; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Rogers O'Neil Whitmire. Farrar Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2503 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 6, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House