TITLE: In memory of Iris Brite Porter.

SUMMARY: In memory of Iris Brite Porter.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Memories of a life well lived may help to comfort those saddened by the passing of Iris Brite Porter on July 19, 2022, at the age of 89; and WHEREAS, Born in Pleasanton on July 12, 1933, to Thomas and Nora Brite, the former Iris Wilsie Brite grew up with the companionship of four older siblings, Rita, Ralph, Bessie, and Taylor; her father taught her that education was the key to success, and through hard work and discipline, she was named valedictorian of Pleasanton High School before graduating summa cum laude from Texas State University in 1953; and WHEREAS, The following year, she exchanged wedding vows with Norman Porter, with whom she shared more than six decades of marriage until his passing; she was a devoted mother to her son, Norman, and also cherished her three grandchildren, her nine great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews; and WHEREAS, After teaching in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Bronte, Mrs. Porter returned to Pleasanton, where she became the district's only special education teacher; she was later elevated to the role of special education director, before starting and directing a special education co-op of five school districts; she was deeply dedicated to ensuring that all students with disabilities were provided the support they needed and were treated with respect and kindness; and WHEREAS, In 1990, Mrs. Porter began a new chapter in her life when she entered law school; she graduated from St. Mary's University School of Law at the age of 60 and was chosen by her peers to be the featured speaker at her graduation ceremony; from there, she practiced law up until the date of her passing, and she earned a reputation as a tough but caring advocate for her clients, most of whom had nowhere else to turn for help; and WHEREAS, Iris Brite Porter inspired many people through her exemplary professional achievements and her fierce commitment to the underserved, and she will long be remembered with affection and admiration by all who had the good fortune to know her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Iris Brite Porter and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her son, Norman Porter, and his wife, Amy; to her grandchildren, Nolan Brite Porter and his wife, Lisa, Erin Kathleen Porter Wells and her husband, JJ, and Ross Shafer Porter and his wife, Estelle; to her great-grandchildren, Miles, London, Noah, and Harlow Iris Porter, Lake, Ruby, and Forrest Wells, and Evangeline and Charli Porter; and to her other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Iris Brite Porter. King of Uvalde Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 572 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 30, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House