TITLE: In memory of Malania Watson Butler of Houston.

SUMMARY: In memory of Malania Watson Butler of Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Malania Watson Butler of Houston on March 21, 2025, at the age of 75; and WHEREAS, Born on January 19, 1950, in the small town of Ganado, the former Malania Watson was the daughter of Barbara Overton and Lenard Watson; she grew up with the companionship of seven siblings, Walter, Susan, Diane, Cynthia Faye, Veronica, Jaqueline, and Waymon, and she devoted herself to her faith at an early age as a member of True Light Baptist Church in Houston; while attending Miller Junior Senior High School, she met James Edward Middleton Jr., and the pair later married and raised two children, James and Kim; after that marriage ended, she was fortunate enough to find love again, and she wed James Junior Butler in August 2002 and went on to share with him nearly 23 years; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Butler worked as a sales representative at Dillard's before later retiring as an accounting clerk for Sears; she was an enthusiastic advocate for labor unions, and she attended several AFL-CIO conventions; her lifelong commitment to service was also evident in her volunteer work as a receptionist at Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church and in her involvement in various voter registration drives, voter education sessions, and Get Out the Vote rallies; and WHEREAS, In her leisure time, Mrs. Butler took pleasure in shopping, dancing, and listening to music; above all else, she cherished the time she spent with her family, which grew to include three grandchildren, Kristie Jaye, Keisha, and Kimdrell, five great-grandchildren, Karter, Phoenix, David, Olivia, and Priest, and many nieces and nephews; and WHEREAS, Although she is deeply missed, the passage of time will never diminish the joy and love that Malania Butler brought into the lives of all who knew her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Malania Watson Butler and extend heartfelt condolences to her family 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 Malania Butler. Simmons Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 869 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 23, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House