Elizabeth May Honored by the Friends of Sam Rayburn

      The Friends of Sam Rayburn hosted the Second Annual Friends of Sam Rayburn Awards Banquet, Saturday, April 22^nd. The banquet was held in honor of Ms. Elizabeth May, this year’s recipient of the HG Dulaney Public Service Award. A large crowd gathered in the Legacy Ridge Country Club banquet room for dinner and program highlighting Ms. May’s many years of community service to Bonham and Fannin County. Ms. May currently serves numerous boards including the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Fannin County Crisis Center. She is also a member of Business and Professional Women’s Club and Friends of Sam Rayburn. In addition, she volunteers for various community and organization fundraisers including American Heart Association, March of Dimes, and Autumn in Bonham.

      Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd, program emcee, started the evening with a reminder of the occasion saying there “could not be a more deserving woman than Elizabeth May” to receive an award for public service. The evening’s featured speaker was Cindy Baker, Customer Relations Associate with American Airlines and native of Bonham. Ms. Baker described the honoree as “a good buddy of mine” who has “impressed me for so long.” Ms. Baker regaled the crowd with stories of Elizabeth May’s ability to “always think on her feet.” Allecia Booher, Senior Vice President, American Bank of Texas, spoke on Elizabeth May’s long dedication to the bank for which she has worked for sixty-four years. Booher described Elizabeth as “dedicated, compassionate and committed.” “She loved this community, the people in this community,” explained Booher, “ she loves this county. I can’t think of anyone who deserves this honor more.”

      The award was presented to Ms. May by last year’s recipient and the award’s namesake, HG Dulaney, who stated, “She’s been my friend for half a century. She’s devoted her life to public service and I’m grateful for her friendship.” In thanking the Friends of Sam Rayburn for the award, Ms. May stated, “Everything I do for this community and Fannin County is from my heart and I want no praise.” “I want Bonham and Fannin County to be on top and I try to put it there,” she went on to explain, “Don’t forget Mr. Sam. He was the one who has done so much for Fannin County.” In closing, Ms. May thanked her family, whom she says have always been behind her in everything she has chosen to do.

      Dr. Patrick Cox, Associate Director, Center for American History, concluded the evening with a brief explanation of the purpose and activities of the Friends of Sam Rayburn. The Friends’ mission is to support the activities and programs at the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum and the Sam Rayburn House Museum. Over the past year, the Friends have provided funds to the Sam Rayburn House Museum for conservation software, a new exhibit highlighting Rayburn’s involvement in World War II, and the 30^th Anniversary of the opening of the Rayburn House under the administration of the Texas Historical Commission. In addition, the Friends donated funds to the renovation and improvement project ongoing at the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum, as well as assisting in the 50^th Anniversary Groundbreaking celebration. Dr. Cox also highlighted upcoming events, including the Friends involvement in a new documentary on the life of Sam Rayburn.