TITLE: Recognizing Joyce Faye Smith and Royce Ray Smith on the occasion of their 80th birthday.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Joyce Faye Smith and Royce Ray Smith on the occasion of their 80th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Joyce Fay Smith and Royce Ray Smith on the occasion of their 80th birthday; and WHEREAS, Joyce and Royce were born March 24, 1933, to Jeff and Mariah Smith in Howardville, a small town near Sugar Land; Royce was the first of the twins to arrive, at 12:27 p.m., and Joyce followed three minutes later; and WHEREAS, Brother and sister both attended Jack Yates Senior High School; Joyce graduated in 1952, and Royce enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served with distinction from 1951 through 1955; and WHEREAS, Joyce married the late Willie Brown, Jr., in 1953, and the couple was blessed with three children, who in turn have given her two grandchildren; she serves as a volunteer for the Outreach Baptist Church food bank and has managed the nonprofit organization Hope Ministries; she has also appeared on such television shows as Hardball with Chris Matthews and The Roseanne Show;and WHEREAS, Royce has been married to Doris Smith for more than 57 years, and the couple raised three children, who have blessed them with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a devout Christian who practices his faith in his daily life, he has been a minister for more than 20 years and is currently a member of Christian Faith Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, Beloved and respected members of their communities, Royce and Joyce Smith are noted for their courage, their compassion for others, and their enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Joyce Fay Smith and Royce Ray Smith on their many achievements and extend to them best wishes for a memorable 80th birthday celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Ellis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2013.