TITLE: Congratulating Jean Wilson Tunnell of Van on her 100th birthday.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Jean Wilson Tunnell of Van on her 100th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The 100th birthday of an esteemed Texan is indeed cause for celebration, and Jean Wilson Tunnell of Van is marking this significant milestone in her life on June 2, 2015; and WHEREAS, Born in Denison in 1915, the former Jean Wilson is the daughter of John and Helen Wilson; growing up on the family farm near Ben Wheeler in Van Zandt County, she was active in 4-H and advanced to state competition several times; as a teenager, she rode her horse to Van High School, where she graduated as valedictorian; and WHEREAS, She worked her way through Trinity University and went on to complete her master's degree at East Texas State Teachers College; she taught in Colfax, Ben Wheeler, and Union Hill, and in 1942, she married Forrest Truman Tunnell; they settled in Dallas, where she was employed for several years as a caseworker for government benefit programs until the birth of a daughter, Joan, and then a son, Forrest; and WHEREAS, After the death of Mrs. Tunnell's father, her husband bought out the other heirs to her family's ranch, and they moved to Van in 1959; she returned to teaching three years later and spent a dozen happy years developing innovative programs for English students at Van High School; moreover, she coached successful UIL contestants in spelling and essay writing and chaperoned band members to out-of-town performances; and WHEREAS, Jean Tunnell retired following the untimely passing of Mr. Tunnell in 1974, but she continued to benefit her community as a volunteer and as a member of the Van ISD school board; she also taught a Sunday school class until she was 91; devoted to her grandchildren, Rachel, Ellen, and Daniel Driver and Lauren and Wesley Tunnell, she provided funds for their college educations and set an example of independence and adventure by traveling to every continent except Antarctica; in more recent years, she has known the joy of welcoming nine great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, This cherished matriarch still resides in her longtime home, which she shares with her granddaughter Ellen Thompson and her three children; she keeps busy cooking, cheering for the Cowboys and Mavericks, completing two daily crossword puzzles, reading the editorial pages, and engaging in political discussions; and WHEREAS, A source of tremendous wisdom and inspiration, Jean Tunnell has gracefully reached the century mark, and she continues to enrich the lives of all who are fortunate enough to know her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Jean Wilson Tunnell on the occasion of her 100th birthday and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Tunnell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Flynn Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1520 was adopted by the House on April 16, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House