SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 7
	In Memory
	of
	Opal Johnson Smith
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
	commemorates the life of Opal Johnson Smith, who died December
	27, 2020, at the age of 86; and
	WHEREAS, Born August 27, 1934, Opal Johnson was an esteemed
	member of the Dallas community and a native of Nigton, Texas; she
	graduated from high school at the young age of 15 and earned a
	bachelor's degree in mathematics from Prairie View A&M
	University before her 20th birthday; and
	WHEREAS, Opal was an active member of the Dallas Prairie
	View A&M University Alumni Chapter, and over the years, her
	fund-raising prowess contributed greatly to the growth and
	success of the university; she established the highly successful
	Annual Athletic Scholarship Gala, and her work as co-chair for
	the university's Capital Campaign led to more than $34 million in
	funding; she was honored for her service and contributions to her
	alma mater and the Prairie View A&M University Foundation in 2006
	with the dedication of the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium, and in
	2003, she was inducted into the National Black College Hall of
	Fame; and
	WHEREAS, A highly respected educational leader, Opal
	earned a master's degree from the University of
	Wisconsin-Madison and enjoyed a 35-year career in the Texas
	public education system; she amassed numerous awards for her
	outstanding service as a teacher and an administrator, and she
	retired as the director of alternative certification for the
	Dallas Independent School District; and
	WHEREAS, Through all things, Opal enjoyed the love and
	support of her husband of 62 years, Joe Edward Smith, a fellow
	Prairie View alumnus who shared her enthusiastic commitment to
	supporting and promoting education; they were blessed with four
	children, who they guided by loving spiritual example, and their
	eight grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy for her;
	and
	WHEREAS, Opal Smith was a woman of great wisdom, kindness,
	and generosity and was beloved by many, and her proud legacy of
	service will continue to have an impact on the lives of Texas
	citizens for years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
	Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
	condolences to the bereaved family of Opal Johnson Smith; and, be
	it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
	her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
	Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
	memory of Opal Smith.
	West
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on July 22, 2021, by a
		rising vote.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate