TITLE: In memory of Curtistene Smith McCowan.

SUMMARY: In memory of Curtistene Smith McCowan.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of DeSoto in mourning the loss of Mayor Curtistene Smith McCowan, who died October 28, 2020, at the age of 72; and WHEREAS, Curtistene McCowan was an exemplary citizen and a dedicated civic leader, and her courage, fair-mindedness, and commitment to public service had a far-reaching impact on the fabric of life in DeSoto; and WHEREAS, She and her beloved husband of 54 years, Leon R. McCowan, were blessed with two sons, Danny Sebastian McCowan and Leon Curtis McCowan; her grandchildren, Tiana, Kirsten, and Taylor, were a source of much pride and joy for her; and WHEREAS, Curtistene enjoyed a fulfilling career of more than three decades with the Federal Trade Commission; her service included 18 years as a senior investigator, and she retired from federal service on January 1, 2005; and WHEREAS, In 1990, she became the first African American elected to public office in DeSoto when she won a seat on the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees; she served for six years and was the board's president for two years; she also served on numerous committees and panels for the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Education Agency; and WHEREAS, She was a founder of Concerned DeSoto Citizens, a nonprofit community service organization, and she held leadership positions in numerous organizations, including the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, the African American Education Archives and History Program, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; and WHEREAS, In 2012, she was elected to the DeSoto City Council, and she served as mayor pro tempore from 2014 until 2016, when she was elected mayor of DeSoto; in recognition of her many years of service to the community and her untiring advocacy for education, the Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School was named in her honor; and WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced her faith in her daily life, she was a longtime member of Kirkwood Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served as chair of the Trustee Board; and WHEREAS, She was a woman of grace, compassion, and perseverance, and she gave unselfishly to others; her wise counsel, her generous spirit, and her dedication to serving her community will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to know her and to share in her life; and WHEREAS, A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and a beloved community leader, she leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by her family and her countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Curtistene Smith McCowan; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Curtistene McCowan. West President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 22, 2021, by a rising vote.