SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 107
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Mildred Elizabeth Smith Barton
 
         WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
  passing of Mildred Elizabeth Smith Barton of Beaumont on June 17,
  2017, at the age of 84; and
 
         WHEREAS, Born in Beaumont on February 23, 1933, the former
  Mildred Smith was the daughter of Ural Bonnette and Buck Smith; a
  gifted musician, she became the organist at Magnolia Avenue
  Baptist Church at a very early age; she graduated from French
  High School and Lamar University, earning a bachelor's degree in
  music, and went on to complete a master's degree in music theory
  at the University of Houston; while still in college, she had the
  honor of being invited to play a reception at the Governor's
  Mansion in Austin, a memory that she long cherished; and
 
         WHEREAS, Admired for her skill as an arranger, Mrs. Barton
  also had the uncommon ability to play any song in any key and
  could even play new pieces after hearing them just once; she
  taught music and choir for a number of years at Amelia Elementary
  and Forest Park High Schools, where her choir groups earned
  accolades in University Interscholastic League competitions at
  the local and state levels; she later received certification in
  counseling from McNeese State University and worked as a
  counselor and registrar at Forest Park High before retiring from
  a similar position at West Brook High School; highly esteemed by
  her students, she stayed in contact with many of them even after
  the end of her career in education; and
 
         WHEREAS, While working at Amelia Elementary, she met her
  future husband and the love of her life, fellow teacher Neal
  Barton; they shared a rewarding marriage that spanned more than
  five decades, and she took immense pride in their son, Neal; a
  valued member of Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, Mrs. Barton
  considered playing the organ for her congregation one of her
  life's greatest joys; and
 
         WHEREAS, Although Mildred Barton is deeply missed,
  memories of her strong faith, her passion for her calling, and
  her devotion to her family remain to comfort and inspire those
  she leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
  Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life
  of Mildred Elizabeth Smith Barton and extend sincere sympathy to
  all who mourn her passing; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
  so in memory of Mildred Barton.
 
  Creighton, Hughes
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on August 7, 2017, by a
    rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate