TITLE: In memory of Opal M. Allen of San Angelo.

SUMMARY: In memory of Opal M. Allen of San Angelo.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close with the passing of Opal M. Allen of San Angelo on March 17, 2020; and WHEREAS, The eldest of 15 children, the former Opal Bennett was born in Limestone County to Vera and Willie Bennett; she learned the importance of hard work at an early age and put her studies on hold to help support her family; in June 1957, she wed Norvell Allen, with whom she shared 55 rewarding years of marriage; the couple were blessed with two daughters, Robbin and Alma, and their family later grew to include two grandchildren, Jasmine and Justin, and three great-grandchildren, Camryn, Madison, and Alexia; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Allen never lost sight of her dream to become an educator; she worked and attended night school to earn her GED, and in 1970, she received a bachelor's degree in history from Paul Quinn College in Waco; the following year, her family moved to San Angelo, and she took a job teaching history at Central High School, where she was one of the first African American members of the faculty; she enjoyed a career spanning 26 years at the campus, and she continued her own studies by earning a master's degree in education from Angelo State University in 1982; and WHEREAS, A woman of devout faith, Mrs. Allen was an active congregant at her church, serving in such roles as Sunday school teacher, finance committee member, choir member, and first lady alongside her husband during his time in the ministry; many organizations also benefited from her involvement, including Le Coterie Society of San Angelo, the Ministers' Wives Alliance of San Angelo, the Pregnancy Help Center of Concho Valley, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International; and WHEREAS, Opal Allen dedicated her life to her faith, her family, and her students, and all those who loved and cherished her will forever find inspiration in their memories of her strength, generosity, and wisdom; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Opal M. Allen and extend heartfelt sympathy to her 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 Opal Allen. Davis Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1049 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 14, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House