TITLE: In memory of Lafonda Ann Davis of Austin.

SUMMARY: In memory of Lafonda Ann Davis of Austin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Countless lives were touched by the kindness and generosity of Lafonda Ann Davis of Austin, who passed away on May 4, 2010, at the age of 68; and WHEREAS, The daughter of Uriel Addison Randolph and Vannie Lee Culpepper, the former Lafonda Randolph was born in Bowie on April 16, 1942, and grew up in neighboring Montague; she attended public schools in Saint Jo, Nocona, Sherman, and Bowie and received special instruction in horticulture from her father, a researcher at Texas A&M University, who instilled in her a lifelong love of plants and gardening; her education continued at North Texas State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in education; and WHEREAS, This dedicated teacher worked in a number of schools around the world following her marriage to Carl David Clark, a member of the United States Air Force, in 1962; they raised three children and eventually settled in Fairfax, Virginia, where she was highly respected for her skill in the classroom and gave freely of her time and talents as a mentor to her students and a volunteer in professional associations; after Mr. Clark's death in 1996, she was fortunate to find love a second time with Jim Davis, and they were married in 1998; the couple moved to Austin in 2005; and WHEREAS, Devoted to her extended family, Mrs. Davis provided steadfast support and encouragement to 7 children and 10 grandchildren; she made every holiday and event a very special occasion and especially delighted in the warmth and fellowship of Christmas; a woman of great faith, she expressed her beliefs in song as a member of several ensembles, among them the Sweet Spirit Singers, and recordings she made with that group enabled her lovely voice to be heard at her own funeral; and WHEREAS, Lafonda Davis inspired many people with her grace, strength, and resilience, and those who were privileged to share in her love and affection will forever cherish their memories of time spent in her company; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Lafonda Ann Davis and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her husband, Jim Davis; to her children, Jeffrey David Clark, Shannon Lee Gatlin and her husband, Jim, Tamara Ann Egli and her husband, Dave, Angelia Kay Hennessey and her husband, Mike, Michele Ann Hitti and her husband, William, Chad Allen Davis, and Eric Lynn Davis; to her grandchildren, Hayden, Wyatt, Olivia, Gregory, Leah, Megan, Shanna, Rory, Michael, and Tony; to her sister, Virginia Lee Pollard, and her husband, Rex; 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 Lafonda Davis. Hopson Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1657 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 12, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House