Yellow Rose of Texas Award

The Commission of the Yellow Rose of Texas, commonly referred to as the Yellow Rose of Texas, is an honorary commission conferred by the Governor of Texas to Texas women for exceptional community service.

Yellow Rose of Texas, awarded to Jennifer Kinsey, wife of Major General Johann R. Kinsey, August 15, 2019

History

The award was conceived and inaugurated by Governor Allan Shivers before the end of his second term in 1957. The Yellow Rose of Texas is given to women, by the Texas Governor, for exceptional community service.

Eligibility

The Yellow Rose of Texas is an honorary commission recognizing outstanding Texas women for significant contributions to their communities and to Texas through community service in the preservation of history, the accomplishments of present, and the building of future.

Recipients

Governor Price Daniel

Governor John Connally

Governor Preston Smith

1972: Dolly B. Patterson (née Hawkins; 1892–1979) of El Paso for her work with suffrage and with the Democratic Party since women were first allowed to vote. She had been an alternate delegate to the 1924 Democratic National Convention. She raised money, by rallying El Paso citizens to donate their Gold Bond stamps, to purchase a bus for a school for handicapped children.

1972: Louise Slover (née Sarah Louise Head; 1938) of Henderson

1972: Pamela Percival (née Pamela Slover; 1959) of Henderson

Governor Dolph Briscoe

1977: Izean Davidson (née Izean Franklin; 1913–1999) of the Fort Worth Independent School District

1977: Christia Adair (née Christia V. Daniels; 1892–1989) for courageous activism in civil rights through her involvement in the Houston Chapter of the NAACP. Her certificate was also signed by Mark White, then Secretary of State. Adair, in 1984, was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame.

1978: Helen Large (née Helen Joan Burrier; 1943–2013) of Kingwood

Governor William P. Clements

1980: Karen Ruth Thompson (née Karen Ruth Dannelly; (1944-2020) of Austin. Authored 7 historical books, 56 Texas State Historical Markers, saved untold cemeteries, started Save Texas Cemeteries, served as President General of DRT 2011-2013

1980: Norma Schreiner for her work on the Y O Ranch and its 1980 Centennial and as first woman elected as a director to South Texas Longhorn Association

1982: Dianna Truelove Heiner (née Dianna Lynn Truelove; 1947–1998), Fort Worth

1982: Victoria (Vicky) Carbary (née Victoria Teresa Blumberger; 1917–2012)

Governor Mark White

1989: Anita Winters (née Anita Pearl Bergman; 1911–2005) of Johnson City

1989: Doris Miller, Executive Vice President, Burleson Chamber of Commerce

1989: Virginia Lee Williams Wingate (1935–2015) for her work on the restoration of and obtaining the Texas Historical Marker for the one room Wooster School House, in recognition as a charter member and Board leadership of the Baytown Historical Preservation Association, and also for her work as Curator of the Wooster School House, Baytown

1990: Nita Rene Smith (1954–2019) of Austin, Texas Department of Insurance

Governor Ann W. Richards

1991: Mary Fillingim (née Mary Catherine Caldwell; 1924–2010) of San Antonio spent much of her life advocating for those with mental disabilities

1992: Almeda M. Laughlin

1992: Carla McFarland of Alpine for restoration of Historic Holland Hotel and numerous volunteer activities including many tourism related board activities

1993: Cora Thompson (née Bishop; 1898-2000) of Austin for her work as the head cook at the state capital for over 60 years as well as her work as a member of the local NAACP chapter during the Civil Rights movement. Awarded February 19, 1993.

1993: Rosalie E. Winnik.

Governor George W. Bush

1996: Angie Klein'(née Angie Kendall) Texas Department of Public Safety

1998: Amelia ("Mellie") Durán (née Jimenez; born 1936), San Antonio

1999: Alice Neel, San Antonio Texas (born 1919)

2000: Callie Abrams, 147th Medlog Fort Sam Houston, Texas

Governor James Richard "Rick" Perry

2001: Cynthia Calvert (née Cynthia Frances Burrus; born 1956), Humble, Texas

2001: Barbara Jordan (née Barbara Ann Scott; 1939–2015) of Kingwood, founder of the Kingwood Area Republican Women's Club

2001: Cloma Jackson (née Cloma Luker; 1917–2013) of San Antonio, of Floresville donated land in 2005 to Wilson County which became part of Jackson Nature Park, near Stockdale. Jackson was nominated by State Representative Edmund Perry Kuempel (1942–2010) of Seguin and Judge Marvin Claud Quinney (born 1945)

2001: Susan D. Gueck-Gunn for years of volunteer service to military members and families through numerous agencies.

2002: Betty Vogel - Manchaca Born Randolph Air Force Base in Kirby, Recognized for humbly giving over 50+ years of service in Texas as an outstanding, selfless, and dedicated volunteer in her community of Manchaca alongside her husband, Clarence, Honored Texas Admiral-Texas Navy. A mentor and Friend to many. Her enduring and unwavering support and work with Law Enforcement, Manchaca Emergency Services (Fire, ESD EMS), and Military. Her lifetime of outstanding leadership and advancement of youth programs and unyielding dedication to serving others for symbolizing the enduring legacy of a supportive community.

2002: Gloria Anita Johnson (née Scaldini; 1925–2010), of Killeen, 30-year volunteer at Metroplex Hospital, now AdventHealth Central Texas

2003: Myrna C Banzon (née Malic), Killeen

2003: Cheryl A Zeffer (née Huffman), Fort Worth

2003: Patti Kay Bray (née), Killeen

2004: Molly Ward, survivor of the New London School Explosion. Awarded due to her scholarship and creation of the New London School Explosion museum, as well as her time serving as Mayor. New London, Texas

2006: Kim Ann Thompson Estes, Burleson ISD Learning Technologist, Awarded for community service rendered for Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.

2006: Eloise Lundgren, Chief of Community Relations, Fort Hood

2006: Tina Lanier for her volunteerism and support of military families through Fort Hood’s Family Readiness Groups for two deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other post organizations

2007: Mandy M Pierce for her volunteerism and support of military families through Fort Hood’s Family Readiness Groups for two deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other post organizations

2007: Leticia Gonzalez for her volunteerism and support of 36th CAB during Operation Iraqi Freedom

2008: Michelle Cox for her volunteerism at Fort Hood's Soldier and Family Readiness Center

2008: Aggie Velasquez for her volunteerism and support of military families at NAS/JRB Fort Worth Family Readiness Center

2009: Penny Westerfeld (née Penny Lou Sargent; born 1947), for her service, from 1979 2011, which included executive roles, to the Lone Star College System, Humble, Kingwood

2009: Holly Hirshberg (née Holly Linda Bognar; born 1971), founder of The Dinner Garden, a 501(c)(3) charity offering gardening expertise and supplies aimed at ending hunger, San Antonio

2009: Stephanie Young (née Saiki), for her dedication and support to the military children and families of Fort Hood's 41st Fires Brigade ("Railgunners")

2009: Dr. Brenda H. Edmonds for her outstanding civilian service from 1992, which included executive positions to the US military Army Community with selfless service to military members and their families, San Antonio.

2009: June Pape, Hurst

2010: Karolin Guadarrama for her outstanding and selfless volunteerism with the Family Readiness Group at Fort Bliss

2010: Mindy Walski for her volunteerism with the Family Readiness Group at Fort Bliss

2010: Major General Mary Saunders

2010: Janet Hickl (née Janet Faye Wood; born 1955) for 10 years of service as administrative assistant for the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Bay City

2012: Melissa Westergard for her dedication and support with the 2-38 Cav, Bravo Troop Family Readiness Group at Fort Hood

2012: Candace Robinson, wife of the Command Chief of the 59th Medical Wing, San Antonio

2012: Sara Boykin, Family Readiness Group Leader, for her support and dedication to military families, Fort Bliss, TX; Jessica Juarez (formally Jessica Vargas), Family Readiness Group Leader, the honor received from the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Hood, for her support and dedication to military families.

2012: Sharon Millians (née Sharon Elaine Sappington; born 1948), of Fort Worth, for her support of numerous volunteer and community service projects including the Tarrant County Women's Center, the Child Study Center and the Chiapas Project

2012: Lillian Estelle Mingus (née Lillian Estelle Christopher; 1912–2013) received the award after her 100th birthday

2012: Ann Williamson Hibbs - A Dallas County Master Gardener and Flower Show Judge, recognized for her consistent efforts in beautifying Texas, educating our students, and her strong and varied personal volunteerism. Her enduring and unwavering support of Lee Elementary School, the Texas Daffodil Society, and the Military exemplify the tenets of the Yellow Rose of Texas

2013: Judge Ada E. Brown for her service as a Commissioner with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

2013: Susan Hull, PhD (formerly Susan Simpson-Laskoskie, née Susan Joy Simpson; born 1959), as of 2017, was the Superintendent of the Grand Prairie ISD; in 2014, Governor Perry appointed her to the State Board of Education for Educator Certification

2013: Carol O'Brien, issued August 14, 2013.

2013: Jacqueline Mercado (née Jacqueline Ortiz; born 1965), for helping children with disabilities; San Antonio

2013: Angela Lucky, Grand Prairie

2013: Lisa Billeck, Family Readiness Group Leader, for her support and dedication to the families of C Company, 3rd battalion, 501st Aviation Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas during Operation Enduring Freedom.

2013: Margo R. Courreges (née Margo Doris Richards; born 1948) of Austin.

2013: Christy Woodward Kaupert (née Christy Woodward; born 1967) of San Antonio for her commitment to community service

2013: Rebecca Ann Figone (born 1971, maiden Johnson), military spouse and support of U.S Army over 20 year career. Received July 24, 2013.

2014: Ashton Montgomery for her advocacy and commitment to military families at Fort Hood Army Base, commissioned February 20, 2014.

2014: Jessica Gonzalez for her commitment to the military families at Fort Bliss Army Base, commissioned in 2014.

2014: Deniece Marshall, community service, Lufkin

2014: Elizabeth Laird (née Elizabeth Corrine Waldron; 1932–2015), a.k.a. "Betty the Hug Lady," of Killeen for her comforting hugs to Fort Hood soldiers

2014: Berneta Peeples (née Bonnie Berneta Peeples; born 1917) for volunteerism and public service. For more than 80 years (since 1934), Peeples was a journalist with The Belton Journal.

2014: Regina E Mankel for her contribution to Cobra Company 2-5 Infantry for volunteerism and public service.

2014: Dr.Victoria L Calder for her contribution to school safety and security in Texas schools and communities

Governor Greg Abbott

2015: Jalinna Jones (née Jalinna Anne James; born 1966), then Texas A&M Commerce First Lady, wife of the late Dan Richard Jones, PhD (1953–2016).

2015: Dawn Hatch, Texas Navy

2015: Mary O'Leary Kasales, recognized for her volunteerism & service to her community.

2015: Kathy L. Hanlon (née Hubbard) of Granbury, commissioned 22 October 2015, for volunteer work with veterans, nominated by The Honorable Brian Birdwell, State Senator, District 22.

2015: Brittany D. Hallman (born 1971), Gatesville.

2016: Corine Snow (Corine C. Craig; 1904–2016), from Sulphur Springs, received the honor on 28 October 2016, at age 111 years, 10 months and 27 days – reportedly, on record, the oldest living person in Texas, the 7th oldest in the United States, and the 46th oldest in the world. She died 5 December 2016.

2016: Martha Schroeder (née Martha Regina Gerling; born 1954) of Austin, Worked with Dept. of Human Services & the Texas Sunset Committee to promote & keep In-Home Daycare regulations for In-Home Daycare; Founding member & officer of Texas Professional Home Childcare Assn in 1989; Founding member of Austin Professional Childcare Assn; Worked 40 years in Early Childhood education, 30 of those years as a kindergarten teacher in public school; Teacher of the Year; Lifetime Girl Scout and volunteer in numerous local organizations. Austin Mayor made Proclamation declaring 2 May 2016 as Martha Schroeder Day.

2016: Lyn von Roeder (née Lynda Lou Warford; born 1948) of Austin, nominated by Admiral Mike Young, Squadron Deputy Commander of the Texas Navy

2016: M Jackson, recognized for over three decades of exemplary and selfless service to our country in varying positions of great importance and responsibility; a distinguished service characterized with distinction as a leader of Soldiers, a brilliant and honorable professional.

2016: Angela M. Steffens (born 1976), United States Army Volunteer (Ft. Worth, Texas); Battalion FRG Leader (949BSB, 45th ROC). The honor was received during the retirement of her husband from the 949th Brigade Support Battalion, 56th Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, awarded for her unwavering support of military families for over 18 years, to include support during unit deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

2017: Sandra Rodriguez (born 1967), Mission High School educator and administrator; the honor received official recognition by the Texas House Resolution 764, of the 85th Texas Legislature, sponsored by Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr.

2017: Cara L Ludwig (née Cara Lindsey Cook; born 1985), of Kennedale, for her efforts in Arts Education for the children of Texas and the greater DFW community.

2017: Evelyn Reininger (née Evelyn Genevieve Pehl; born 1927), longtime community volunteer of Austin, for her advocacy for more women in management positions. She was the first female engine manager at Bergstrom Air Force Base. She also worked alongside Lady Bird Johnson, Gov. Ann Richards, and journalist Liz Carpenter on the Federal Women’s Program

2017: Holly A. Mayfield (born 1978), United States Army Volunteer (Fort Bliss, Texas); Senior Spouse Advisor; the honor received official recognition by the 93D Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, for her enduring and unwavering support of military families for over 12 years, to include during Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq War), and mentorship of senior spouses at the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss.

2017: Eileen M. Hipe (born 1960), Deputy to the Commander, 418th Contracting Support Brigade (Fort Hood, Texas); Senior Contracting Official & Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting; recognized for exceptional service in her direction of contingency contracting efforts by her organization to provide relief to Hurricane Harvey victims.

2017: Kristin K Edwards (born 1977), New Braunfels.

2017: Wendi R. Preusser (born 1977), Temple, TX. for significant contributions to her local communities including military wives, families and veterans. Served in numerous capacities as a Family Readiness Group Advisor and volunteered her time to help Army Spouses and Families during multiple deployments. She gave freely of her time to ensure others were taken care of.

2017: Laura A. Derry (born 1971), Served in multiple Family Readiness Groups and served as FRG leader for 100MPAD during 2004–2006

2017: Evangeline George (born 1930), Retired Science Teacher with 48 years of service to her community of Beaumont, Texas, dedicated volunteer in her community, mentor and friend to many in her community

2017: Kelsie Miller (born 1987), Served as the 31st Combat Support Hospital's Family Readiness Group Leader from 2015–2017. Recognized for her commitment, reliability and ability to go above and beyond for the families in the Unit during a time of deployment.

2017: Dannielle Chappell (born 1981) of Arlington, Texas. Awarded for her support and dedication to men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, deployed and stateside.

2017: Christy Nash, Active Principal of Wichita Falls High School in Wichita Falls. Recognized for humbly giving over 34 years of service to the Wichita Falls Educational Community and known as a pillar of foundation for the School Districts Educational.

2018: Kristin Ada (born 1992 Killeen, Texas), recognized for her extensive service to her community.

2018: Dina C Williams, New Braunfels, for significant contributions to her local communities including military wives, families and veterans.

2018: Michelle D. Mahlstede (born 1973), Stockdale, TX, recognized for nurturing support and aid to Military Families and communities throughout Texas, the U.S. and internationally for over 22 years.

2018: Nelly Mulleneaux (born 1986), Master Resiliency Training (MRT) and Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader, A CO 2-7 CAV 3 ABCT 1CD, Ft. Hood, (2015–2018) Known as "Arrowhead's Mom," Nelly Mulleneaux gave Soldiers and Family Members of "Arrowhead Company," the right guidance and motivation to remain resilient during adversity.

2018: Estella "Starr" (Chavez) Butler, Alumna of South San High School in San Antonio. Recognized for symbolizing the enduring legacy of supportive pride expected of a military spouse and being a stout defender of the preservation of Tejano history and culture.

2018: LaTonna Jones Wagner, (born 1962 Bonham, Texas), Registered Nurse, Director of Nurses for Additional Kare, Recognized for service to children with Rare, Chronic and Terminal Illnesses, advocate for families with seriously ill children. Outstanding and selfless service to the citizens of the State of Texas.

2018: Carol Ann Phillips Snyder,(born 1940 Dallas), retired Computer Software Consultant; President of Smithville Heritage Society. Recognized for almost twenty years of historical preservation and education for the people of Smithville and Bastrop County; and for over two years of historical research work for veterans' names honored in Smithville's Memorial Veterans Park.

2018: Diane Morrison, (born 1952) Registered Nurse, Volunteer Advisory Board member for Catholic Charities, transitional care and foster parent for 141 babies, Boy Scouts of America Volunteer, serves on the Longhorn Council BSA Executive Board, Council Training Chairperson, recognized for a lifetime of outstanding leadership and advancement of youth programs, and adult leadership training.

2018: Valerie B. Gordon (born 1977), United States Army Volunteer (Fort Bliss, Texas); Senior Spouse Advisor; the honor received official recognition by the 142nd Combat Support Service Battalion, 1st Armor Sustainment Brigade, for her enduring and unwavering support of military families for over 3 years, to include during Operation Resolute Support and Operation Inheritance Resolve (Afghanistan War), and mentorship of spouses and families for numerous deployments, Fort Bliss.

2018: Euleah "Deeann" Thorpe (born 1964 Lampasas)

2018: Alison Lund (born 1988 Corpus Christi), recognition for her volunteerism: extensive community service in several local, state, and national programs, military organizations- Family Readiness Groups (US Army) and the United Service Organization, and efforts to raise money for families affected by Hurricane Harvey in the Port Aransas.

2018: Nancy Ann Lee, wife and avid supporter of military families and veterans, for her work to support the military rescue efforts during and after Hurricane Harvey. Mrs. Lee successfully coordinated charitable sponsorships for supplemental meals from various restaurants for weeks of the multi-branch rescue efforts based out of the US Coast Guard base in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Lee was also an advocate of the Wounded Warrior Project and often assisted with public sector fitness event training.

2018: Elizabeth N Mull, San Antonio, from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, for her work with LGBTQ youth, particularly her longtime commitment to one family, offering her support and guidance with navigating mediation of parent and child through discovery of sexual identity, gender association, depression and suicidal ideation. Recognized for standing by her sponsored teen through suicidal attempts, hospitalizations, one that was for the duration of an entire year and during that hospitalization going through the tragic suicide of teen’s mother. She remained a solid and reliable figure of support for teen and siblings throughout ordeal and then helped with guidance through the discovery, assessment and process of gender reassignment surgeries. Continues support of sponsored individual and other family members of individual currently to date. Also a supporter and advocate of The Trevor Project having raised $833.18 to date for the foundation. Also recognized for her work with the San Antonio Humane Society for the volunteerism of her time , 8-10 hours every week onboarding, ,taking care of, and in general loving the forgotten and discarded animals that find their way to SAHS. She has raised a total of $4323.36 between the National Humane Society and San Antonio Humane Society to date. Lastly, for her work with the National Down Syndrome Society, both in Colorado Springs 2009-2012 and The Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society 2012-present, supporting and raising money and awareness to their cause with a current amount of $3702.19 raised to date.

2019: Ernestine "Tina" Hernandez, New Braunfels, wife of a Wounded Veteran and longtime advocate for all Wounded Veterans.

2019: Porsche L. Abraham (Houston Texas), received The Commission of the Yellow Rose of Texas for her outstanding contributions as an educator and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Her extensive community service, including her work in creating opportunities for marginalized groups, has earned her several awards. Through her innovative educational programs and commitment to social entrepreneurship, Porsche has empowered individuals to develop life-changing skills, fostering economic independence and inclusion. Her dedication to making a lasting impact continues to inspire those around her.

2019: Jane Elizabeth Watkins Cohen, College Station, educator, leader, community volunteer, wife of Robert S Cohen.

2019: Courtney Lynn Walden (née Courtney Lynn Salzman; born 1979), from Fort Worth. Wife of 136th Airlift Wing Command Chief.

2019: Erica Alwine Molina, Simonton. Simonton Texas Emergency Management Coordinator, wife, mother, Volunteer and Director of the US Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Memorial Classic, recognized for her unyielding dedication to serving others.

2019: Joan N Bailey, El Paso, Wife, and supporter of military families and veterans, Served multiple units as both unit and battalion FRG leader during deployment of military spouses. She supported the military community for over 30 years.

2019: Pamela Hall, El Paso, wife, and avid supporter of Military Families for over 31 years. Both nationally, and internationally, she contributed to the success and morale of Military families for over three decades.

2019: Gaylon Finklea Hecker (née Gaylon Jean Finklea; born 1949) lives in Austin. Has written five books that preserve Texas History: “The Daughters, A Dozen Decades of DRT”, “Dusting Off A Legend: The St Anthony Hotel”, “Enhancing Quality of Life for 75 Years: Bandera Elective Cooperative”, “Bonjour, Y’All: A Squirrel’s Nutty Tale of the Texas French Legation”, “The Businesses That Built San Antonio”. Co-author of "Growing Up in the Lone Star State: Notable Texans Remember Their Childhoods," published by Briscoe Center of American History at UT-Austin. Past president of DRT William Barret Travis Chapter and is currently serving as First Vice President.

2019: Stasia Ohmie (née Stasia Nicole Smith; born 1977)

2019: Gretchen May Kimbro Tooke (née Kimbro) Austin, TX.

2020: Glenda Ervalyn McVeigh, The Hills, TX. Science Educator for 31 years; 60 years of support & dedication to military spouses, US Army

2020: Hope C. Soliz, San Antonio TX, for her outstanding work as a Key Spouse for the last four years in USAF. She is a USAF veteran, wife of Commander #C17 Steve Soliz and an avid supporter of Military Families.

2020: Mary Melissa Halbert Goodrich, West Lake Hills. Civic Volunteer; seventh generation Texan of 21 Republic of Texas ancestors; honored for preservation of Texas history; contributions include service at Texas French Legation; founding Vice President of Celebrate Texas Inc.; Daughters of the Republic of Texas; Republic of Texas Museum; Custodian General of Daughters of the Republic of Texas Headquarters; served three terms on the national board of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.B.A. University of Texas at Austin, History, School of Liberal Arts

2020: Hon. Donna Bahorich, Houston, TX, for her significant contributions to her community and to Texas in the preservation of our history, the accomplishments of our present, and the building of our future as a former Chair and Member of the State Board of Education.

2020: Hon. Barbara Cargill, Conroe, TX, for her dedication as a science educator and her 16 years of tireless service on behalf of Texas school children as a former Chair and Member of the State Board of Education.

2020: Natalie Friend Wilson, Esq, Bulverde, TX, for 15 years of support and dedication to military spouses, the Air Force Key Spouse Program, Military Juris Doctorate Network, and the military community.

2020: Jaqueline Rae Quitugua, Fort Bliss, TX, for 23 Years as a Military Spouse and support of the 22nd Chemical Battalion, Ft. Bliss, Texas .

2020: Ingrid Wright Ortiz, San Antonio, TX, for 30 years as a Military Spouse and support to the US Army.

2020: Myrtle (Tippy) Foster, River Oaks, TX, on her 100th birthday, for her service to our country as a WWII USN Machinist's Mate at Alameda Air Station. Mrs. Foster was married to a veteran, Pomerene (P.A.) Foster, for seventy-one years and together they became involved with and supported the veteran community in North Texas for many years.

2020: Enola Gay Moorman Bounds Mathews, Sulphur Springs, TX, for decades of dedication to her community through radio and print, and preservation of its legacy of western music and lifestyle through performance, memorabilia, recordings and photos

2020: Jamie Weber (born on 20 December 1995) Current Law Student Austin, Texas

2020: Jennifer Wisniewski, Belton, TX, for service as a Military Spouse, scouting leader, and support of the 1-393 Brigade Support Battalion and the 120th Infantry Brigade, Fort Hood, TX.

2021: Brenda Kay King Turbeille, (born 1961) Winchester, Indiana, Nominated by Governor of Texas Greg Abbott and Colonel Tammy Hollister, USAF, for her 16 years of Federal Service to the United States Army and her commitment in helping soldiers of the Texas State Guard and their families at Camp Mabry but also dedicated her herself at helping the Fort Cavasos community.

2021: Merle Reue Hudgins of Wharton received a Yellow Rose of Texas award from Governor Greg Abbott along with a House Concurrent Resolution which read, "WHEREAS, Merle Reue Hudgins of Wharton has received a Yellow Rose of Texas award from Governor Greg Abbott; and WHEREAS, Established in the 1950s by Governor Allan Shivers, the Yellow Rose of Texas award recognizes Texas women who have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities; and WHEREAS, A fitting recipient of this notable accolade, Mrs. Hudgins has dedicated many years to documenting and sharing the history of Wharton County; appointed to the Wharton County Historical Commission in 1969, she has been an active member of the organization for more than 50 years and has served as its chair; she is the author of numerous publications on the county's history, including her book War Between the States Changed Texas Forever, and she was invited as a contributing author for the Handbook of Texas by the Texas State Historical Association; she gives freely of her time and expertise to organizations such as the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, and for many years, she has spoken at the annual banquet for the William H. Wharton Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Hudgins moved to Wharton with her family when she was a child, and returned to the area after college to pursue a career as a writer; in 1976, she joined the Wharton Journal-Spectator as a staff columnist, and her work has also appeared in the El Campo Leader-News; an alumna of Wharton County Junior College, she has served on the institution's board of trustees for more than a decade; in all her endeavors, she enjoys the love and support of her husband, Joe Dawson Hudgins; and WHEREAS, Through her exceptional efforts, Merle Hudgins has significantly contributed to the study of Texas history, and she may indeed reflect with pride on her many accomplishments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby congratulate Merle Reue Hudgins on her receipt of the Yellow Rose of Texas award and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Hudgins as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

2021: Christine Del Rosario Oyler, (born 1979) El Paso, TX, for her commitment in helping not just soldiers and their families at FT Bliss but also dedicated her herself at helping the El Paso community.

2022: Cinzi Lavin, Fredericksburg, TX, musical dramatist; for exceptional charitable contributions and volunteerism, and for artistic achievements towards improving the present and building the future.

2022: Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright, Houston, TX, for her commitment and volunteerism in 35 years of service with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and other various lineage based and other philanthropic causes.

2022: Madi Franquiz, Dallas, TX, for her commitment to improving the present and building the future for Texas children. She has tirelessly dedicated her time and effort to better the lives of children across Texas through literacy and education, especially for underserved and underrepresented populations.

2022: Erin Fineberg, (born 1985) El Paso, TX, for her commitment in helping the soldiers and civilians of William Beaumont Army Medical Center and their families at Fort Bliss, TX. She tirelessly dedicated her time and effort to better the organization and helping the El Paso community.

2022: Meredith Laine Horning, (born 1986), Fort Worth, TX, for her commitment as a Labor and Delivery Nurse through her contributions to the advancement of Fetal Demise Care for Bereaved Parents experiencing the loss of a child during pregnancy.

2023: Laura Leigh Donhauser, Abilene, TX, for her 25 years of unwavering dedication to the military community. She performed exceptional acts of service throughout Texas, including supporting hundreds of Airmen and their families at Dyess AFB through multiple military deployments. Additionally, Mrs. Donhauser committed her time and talents to multiple church communities and the Del Rio Council for the Arts.

2023: Sarah K. Brandon, Dripping Springs, TX, for her tireless dedication to the residents of Hays County, particularly the local women’s shelter, the students of Dripping Springs HS, and the Hays County legal community.

2023: Mrs Melissa Speakes of Ft Cavasos, Tx Mrs Melissa Speakes received the Yellow Rose of Texas in May, 2023. She grew up in a patriotic Texas household and served Texas and the United States throughout her 14 years of service as a military spouse. Her support for Troopers, Families, and Veterans, especially for 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division has been exemplary and represent the best of Texas.

2023: Roschelle Dsouza, Katy, TX, for her commitment to resolve Kendleton, TX's food dessert issue. As a junior in high school, Roschelle dedicated much of her time outside of school to raising money for Kendleton, visiting stores, and working with county officials to collect donations and raise awareness. After working with her community, and her partner Eesha Agrahar, she was able to donate over 3 tons of fresh and canned foods to Kendleton and start cultivating a community garden for residents to produce their fresh foods.

2023: Eesha Rao Agrahar, Katy, TX, for her tireless service to the residents of Kendleton, TX by first preparing and distributing hurricane preparedness kits to low income families and for addressing the food desert problem faced by many of its old residents who lack ready access to fresh produce. She was a junior in high school who dedicated much of her time outside of school by gathering support and donations from grocery stores, raising funds, and coordinating with community members to organize multiple food drives to help the hundreds of elderly and poor families of the community, and she worked closely with county officials to establish a community garden to grow fresh produce locally.

2023: LaRachelle Samuel-Smith, Ph.D., Houston, TX, for her for 31 years as a Military Spouse and support to the US Army.

2024: Demelza Reichenberg, Seguin, TX, a USAF Veteran, for her service to the residents of Seguin and the surrounding areas. She brings her passion for animal rescue to South Texas by managing an Animal Sanctuary. She also spends a lot of time volunteering with Texas Order of the Eastern Star; doing fundraisers for local High School Seniors and taking care of her community through involvement with the elderly and supporting Patriot Paws. She works to help local Veterans get to and from appointments and advocates for their care. She does all this while working a full time position in healthcare IT.

2024: Norma Jean Giffin (formerly Bustamante), BA, MA (Saint Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX) of San Antonio, TX, for her many services with residents of San Antonio, her native city. She was honored by the Governor through her work with Delta Zeta Sorority, Chicktime of Converse, and yearly volunteerism with the Raul Jiminez Thanksgiving Dinner in San Antonio. She is a Senior Hospital Representative with Chiesi, USA, a privately held Italian Pharmaceutical Corporation. She has additionally received the honor of a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear, and has received the foreign honors of Dame Grand Cross (GCDO) of the Order of Prince Danilo I of Montenegro by Crown Prince Nicholas, Head of the House of Petrović-Njegoš, and Dame Commander of the Order of Saint James of the Sword (Brazil) by Prince Pedro of Bourbon of Orléans-Braganza.

2024: Linda A. Ruth, Lewisville, Tx, in recognition of her significant contributions through more than 30 years of public service and community involvement. Through the Denton County Sheriff's office she is an instructor for self-defense classes that are provided at no cost to women in the community. More than 1,000 women have learned self-defense from Linda, leading to a safer community, reduced crime, and lower law enforcement costs. Linda also runs the Ashton's Room program for the Lewisville Police department, providing specialized care for children who are temporarily under the care of the police department. This program has cared for over 150 children to date. She serves as a Survivor Advocacy Team member dispatched to emergency rooms and police departments for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Denton County and she is on the board of directors of Denton County Crime Stoppers. Linda volunteers over 500 hours each year serving her community. Professionally she has worked in local government for over 30 years. Linda has been recognized as a leader in local government and most recently she attained the Master Municipal Clerk designation, a distinction held by only 43 other people in the State of Texas. For the last 18 years, she has served the Town of Lakewood Village, Texas with unwavering commitment and professionalism. Her tenure has been marked by exemplary leadership, tireless dedication and a deep sense of responsibility towards her citizens and the community at large. Linda serves and represents our State well.

2024: Crystal Yang, Katy, Texas, in recognition of her work with blind and visually impaired students. Crystal founded Audemy, an educational platform for Pre-K to 5th grade blind/visually impaired students. Overall, Crystal works to create opportunities to bridge the gap between accessibility and education with technology.

2024: Lillie Hassey, Dallas, Texas tells a story of how she used to bring supper up to the crew as they built Harmony from the ground up, and she would set it out on a makeshift table of plywood and brick. Just as those materials helped build the foundational structure of the church, Lillie has served as a foundational member of Harmony and the surrounding community for its entire 70-year history. As a charter member of Harmony Baptist Church, Ms. Lillie Hassey has been a pilar of strength, kindness, and unwavering faith. In her seventy years at Harmony, Lillie has helped serve the community at large through outreach and ministry. Lillie has hosted countless Bible Studies in her home, inviting church members, neighbors, and anyone else she crossed paths with to come to her home and learn about the Bible, God, and enjoy fellowship with others. She along with her family have made significant monetary donations to the church so that they may serve more members of the community. Through her tenure at Harmony, Lillie has held many volunteer roles. Each having a unique gift that Lillie possessed. In her different volunteer positions she has served as a role model to her family, friends, church members, and the community at large. Lillie has been involved in almost every community outreach program the church facilitated. At 92 years young Lillie still hosts a Ladies Bible study in her home, she greets every new family that attends church, and she serves as a friendly face at every event the church puts on for the families in the local community. She has reached hundreds of families and women as a positive role model and a great example of how God loves his people. Throughout seven decades Ms. Lillie has accomplished so much and like the petals of a yellow rose- each unfolding layer reveals countless stories of joy, faithfulness, and friendships.

2024: Tesina Painter, Fort Worth, Texas, is a dynamic and compassionate entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on her community. A widow who raised four children while running successful home-based businesses, she is known for her creativity, passion for helping those in need, and ability to bring people together for positive change. Beginning her career in special education and later becoming a diagnostician, Tesina identified a gap for new moms in hospitals and launched a thriving business from home in 1993. She later founded Strata Commercial, bridging the worlds of commercial real estate and philanthropy with her innovative idea to auction street naming rights to raise funds for feeding those in need through Charity Road. Tesina's efforts extend beyond fundraising. She has helped provide workshops that empower food recipients to improve their lives. Her energy, creativity, and commitment to making a difference inspire others to get involved and be part of the solution.

2024: Princess T. Harmon, Killeen, Texas, Was awarded the Yellow Rose of Texas for her dedication and commitment to the 3,200 Texans and the other 25,000 U.S. Military members serving in the Republic of Korea. As a Religious Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer, she forged partnerships with 42 military leaders from the United States’ Eighth Army, along with the 8th and 51st Fighter Wings to strategically implement a suicide prevention and intervention program that has proven effective across the Korean peninsula. Her efforts have been instrumentally successful as she expertly allocated $106k to support 132 suicide invention programs and events that resulted in an 18% increase of resiliency among US Military Members in the Korean area of responsibility as measured by program research conducted by the Military. Her support and gallantry efforts were not only from an administrative vantage, but she was also personally involved, and hands-on in most of the 132 programs and events as they were happening live and on-the-ground. Her involvement and presence are indicative to the very nature of what it means to be Texan, whether at home or abroad in places like South Korea..

Induction periods not known

19?? - Nicole Carey for her work with the Army Spouses and Families and for significant contributions to her local communities including military wives, families and veterans.

19??: Carolyn Wright, Chief Justice Fifth Court of Appeals of Texas

19??: Tara Watson (née Tara Ann Watson; born 1977), Staying Alive initiative (HIV/AIDS awareness), Lufkin, Dallas/Fort Worth

Sharon Teusink (née Sharon May Dykstra; born 1946), Northwest Houston

Teresa Champion (née Martínez), San Antonio, flamenco dancer, wife of world famous flamenco guitarist El Curro (pseudonym of William Champion; 1933–2012)

Mary Espiritu (née Mary De Leon; 1922–2011), retired Kelly Air Force Base executive

Betty R. Manbeck, American Legion Auxiliary volunteer, Houston

19??: Camille Rogers Clay (née Leila Camille Rogers; 1928–2012)

Bernice Conley (Bernice Green; 1923–2002), of Dallas, a noted Democrat political activist

Katherine Wilson (née Katherine Ophelia Thorp; 1922–2012) of Fort Worth for her volunteer service to the Boy Scouts of America

Anna Mae "Mas" Nichols (née Anna Mae Moore; 1919–2008) for her work with the Constance Allen Heritage Guild for Lifetime Learning

Wilma Davis (née Wilma Dean Voigt; 1933–2016) of Purves for her work with students at Tarleton State University

Cindy Weston of Fort Worth, TX for her community service in launching nurse-led care delivery models and increasing access to healthcare in Central Texas.

Bertha Mae Newsom-Jones (née Bertha Mae Newsom; 1927–2005), contributions to the Texas Council of Alpha Phi Alpha

Maureen Adams (née Maureen Louis O'Connor; born 5 March 1955), school principal, science educator, NASA Teacher in Space, Pathfinder 7, Killeen. Governor Perry also awarded Adams, and also astronaut candidate Edward Wright, Commissions as Admirals in the Texas Navy.

Lillian McKay, Humble, Texas

Tammie Smith for her efforts in having a reproduction of Davy Crockett's rifle to give away at a fund raiser for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas library

Betty Irene Buford, PhD (1928–2014)

Vivian Pickard (née Vivian Lela Townsend; 1918–2015) of San Antonio, member of the Alpha Phi Alpha wives auxiliary

Maggie Williams (née Maggie Lucy Singleton; 1938–2014) of Galveston an advocate for children, was honored for her work with the Texas Council of Alpha chapters for service and volunteer work

Marjorie Lee Coffey (née Marjorie Lee Chapman; 1925–2010) of Waxahachie

Mira Sotelo (née Edelmira Gutiérrez; 1935–2012) of Del Rio

See also

• Texas Women's Hall of Fame
• Awards and decorations of the Texas government