Dressed in blue and their best fake pearls, Houstonians gathered at Houston's City Hall to celebrate the life of former First Lady Barbara Bush.
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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and local religious leaders offered words of comfort, remembrance and levity.
"May her spirit continue to bless us in the days and years ahead," said Rabbi Samuel Karff of the Congregation Beth Israel.
Speakers remembered Mrs. Bush's advocacy for literacy, her role as the matriarch of the Bush family and her years as a citizen of Houston.
On Friday, April 20, the public will pay their respects to Mrs. Bush at St. Martin's Church. Her private funeral is on Saturday, April 21, also at St. Martin's.
Mrs. Bush's husband, President George H. W. Bush, launched his political life in Houston as Chairman of the Republican Party of Harris County and later served in the House of Representatives representing Houston.
As well all know, #BarbaraBush was fond of reading books to children. I'm paying tribute to her by doing the same thing here today. I borrowed this book from the Library across the street, also home of the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza. From "The Giving Tree" By Shel Silverstein: pic.twitter.com/5QFpcBsAyM
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) April 19, 2018
You have time to join us for The Celebration of Barbara Bush's Life and Legacy. It starts at 6 p.m. in front of city hall. pic.twitter.com/VbWlBs7GC3
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) April 19, 2018
Houstonians remember former First Lady #BarbaraBush at a City Hall celebration of her life @HoustonPubMedia pic.twitter.com/xDd1apYqqt
— Elizabeth Trovall (@elizTrovall) April 19, 2018
#BarbaraBush celebration of life https://t.co/qw11JfFXOb
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) April 19, 2018