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, 15 August 2019

History

Genesis

The award was conceived and inaugurated by Governor Allan Shivers before the end of his second term in 1957. The Yellow Rose of Texas Commission is the highest award bestowed to women by the Texas Governor.

Etymology

The award name, "Yellow Rose of Texas," was chosen by Governor Shivers to honor the woman known by that name, Emily Morgan, who as a 20-year-old slave, according to legend, was instrumental in the victory of the Battle of San Jacinto, which, reportedly lasted 18 minutes, which, in turn, sealed the fate for Texas independence.

The Texas Rose Festival in Tyler has named a Rose Queen since its inception in 1933, and historically, the title was "Miss Yellow Rose of Texas." In 1955, band leader Mitch Miller and His Orchestra recorded "The Yellow Rose of Texas" (the song) on Columbia Records, which became a hit. That same year, during a ceremony in Dallas honoring Miller as an honorary Texan, Miller announced Maymerle Shirley (later known as Maymerle Brown; 1936–2017) as "Miss Yellow Rose of Texas" for 1955.

Eligibility

The Yellow Rose of Texas recognizes exceptional community service such as: volunteerism, charitable contributions, achievements related to the preservation of the history of Texas, or achievements toward improving the present and building the 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
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
Victoria (Vicky) Carbary (née Victoria Teresa Blumberger; 1917–2012)
Governor Mark White
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
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
Governor George W. Bush
1996: Sarah Vaughn (née Sarah Mae Stanley; 1941–1997) Bay City
1998: Amelia ("Mellie") Durán (née Jimenez; born 1936), San Antonio
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, flamingo dancer, wife of world famous flamingo guitarist El Curro (pseudonym of William Champion; 1933–2012)
Mary Espiritu (née Mary De Leon; 1922–2011), retired Kelly Air Force Base executive
hanging intenttext= 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
Barbara Jordan (née Barbara Ann Scott; 1939–2015) of Kingwood, founder of the Kingwood Area Republican Women's Club
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)
Betty R. Manbeck, American Legion Auxiliary volunteer, Houston
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
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
2008: Michelle Linard 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: 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.
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[1]
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
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: Jacqueline Mercado (née Jacqueline Ortiz; born 1965), for helping children with disabilities; San Antonio
2013: Angela Lucky, Grand Prairie
2013: Lisa Peters for her volunteerism with the Family Readiness Group at Fort Bliss
2013: Margo R. Courreges (née Margo Doris Richards; born 1948) of Austin.
2014: Deniece Marshall, community service, Lufkin[2]
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[3]
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: 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,[4] wife of the late Dan Richard Jones, PhD (1953–2016).
2015: Dawn Hatch, Texas Navy
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 passed away 5 December 2016.
2016: Martha Schroeder (née Martha Regina Gerling; born 1954) of Austin, nominated by Admiral Mike Young, Squadron Deputy Commander of the Texas Navy
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.
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: 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: 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.
2019: Ernestine "Tina" Hernandez, New Braunfels, wife of a Wounded Veteran and longtime advocate for all Wounded Veterans.
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: 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)
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, Westlake Hills, Civic Volunteer; seventh generation Texan of 16 Republic of Texas ancestors; honored for preservation of Texas history; contributions include service at Texas French Legation, Celebrate Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Republic of Texas Museum, Custodian General of DRT Headquarters.
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.
Induction periods not known
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

References
  1. Command Chief’s spouse receives Yellow Rose of Texas Award," by Senior Airman Kevin Iinuma, 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs, published June 22, 2012 (retrieved July 12, 2017)
  2. "Lufkin woman awarded prestigious 'Yellow Rose of Texas' Award," KTRE Channel 9 News (ABC) (Lufkin, Texas) (no date) (retrieved July 12, 2017)
  3. "'Hug Lady' Gives Priceless Gift to Fort Hood Soldiers" (streaming video file) (2 min., 14 sec.), Lester Holt, Joe Fryer, NBC Nightly News, October 19, 2014; OCLC 5689158112
  4. "Jalinna Jones Recieves [sic] 'Yellow Rose of Texas' Award," by Sara Wray, NPR, October 16, 2015 (retrieved July 12, 2017)
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