TITLE: In memory of Shirley Jane Sloan Hamm of Pittsburg.

SUMMARY: In memory of Shirley Jane Sloan Hamm of Pittsburg.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of admired educator Shirley Jane Sloan Hamm of Pittsburg on March 7, 2017, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Born in Clarksville on June 19, 1934, she completed both her bachelor's degree and her master's degree in library science at East Texas State University; she married her high school sweetheart, Harvey David Hamm, on August 15, 1954, and they became the proud parents of two children, Harvey and Melinda; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Hamm taught English in Dallas and then in Pittsburg schools, where she also served as a librarian; while instilling a love of language in children, she demonstrated a special understanding of those who struggled for acceptance and made them feel included; many of her former students kept in touch through the years, and the hundreds of valentines she received from them were displayed seasonally in the windows of the shop owned by her daughter and son-in-law; and WHEREAS, In her retirement, Mrs. Hamm continued to share her love of literature with her grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, and Mitchell, and her great-grandchildren, Josie, Kenlie, Kennady, Kynslee, Noah, and Keyton; she had a Kindle full of books but often visited the public library with her great-grandchildren in tow, and in her last days, she made sure a dear friend returned three books she had checked out; when not reading, she enjoyed traveling with her husband as members of the Shriner's RV Club, and the couple hosted legendary Christmas breakfasts for family and friends; in addition, she liked to invite friends for tea, and she beautified the world around her by painting, repairing antique furniture, gardening, and arranging flowers; she played a key role in the continuation of the Green Thumb Garden Club and its annual flower show, and, having mastered the tricky Hogarth Curve design, she won many awards for her arrangements; and WHEREAS, Devoted to her family, friends, and students, Shirley Hamm enriched the lives of innumerable people, and those who were privileged to know her will forever treasure their memories of her dry wit, frankness, and wisdom; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Shirley Jane Sloan Hamm and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn her passing; 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 Shirley Hamm. Hefner Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 928 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 23, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House