2015: Jalinna Jones
(née Jalinna Anne James; born 1966), then
Texas A&M Commerce First Lady,
[8] wife of the late Dan Richard Jones, PhD (1953–2016).
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: 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: 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: 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.
[9] 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.
