CORRECTED   May 18 2022

REFERENCE TITLE: Herschella Horton; death resolution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

HR 2015

Introduced by

Representatives Sierra: Bolding, Bowers, Longdon, Pawlik, Toma, Senators Alston, Gonzales, Rios, Steele

A Resolution

           on the death of the honorable herschella horton.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

The Honorable Herschella Horton, dedicated public health care advocate and former legislator, passed away on May 4, 2022 at the age of 83.

Born in Lawrenceville, Illinois, Ms. Horton graduated from Lawrenceville Township High School in 1957. She earned a nursing degree from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 and a management degree from the University of Phoenix in 1987. In 1965, Ms. Horton relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where she worked with many hospitals and research centers. In the early 1970s, she was the Coordinator of the Clinical Research Center in the surgical department at the University Medical Center. Ms. Horton also worked with the American Medical Women's Association, directed continuing education programs in occupational safety and health and managed a public health consulting firm. 

Herschella Horton represented District 14 in Pima County from 1991 to 2001.  She was elected by her caucus to serve as the Minority Whip and served in that capacity throughout the 43rd Legislature, and in 1999 she was elected Assistant Minority Leader. She served on the Health, Environment, Appropriations, Block Grants and Rules Committees. After leaving the Legislature, she served as Director of Legislative Services with the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

Ms. Horton's public service reflected her passion for health care and social services, where she consistently brought her management skills and empathetic approach to her work.  She gave generously of her time and talents to many professional and civic organizations, including the United Way, the National Order of Women Legislators, La Paloma Family Services, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the Arizona Child Advocacy Center and the Sunstone Cancer Foundation.

Ms. Horton was recognized by many organizations for her integrity and leadership, including being named Legislator of the Year in 1994 by the Maricopa Mental Health Association and the Arizona Association of Home and Housing for the Aging and Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers.  In 1995, she received the Tucson NOW Woman of Courage Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Leadership Award.  She was also honored in 2007 with a brick that was added to the Women's Plaza of Honor on the University of Arizona campus.  Ms. Horton had a reputation of dependability, commitment and experience, and her influence on the lives of Arizonans will have an enduring impact.

A cherished mentor, staunch advocate and loving mother, Ms. Horton will be greatly missed by her children, Jon Horton and Cheryl Walker, and her many friends and loved ones.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

      That the Members of the House of Representatives express regret at the passing of the Honorable Herschella Horton.