Citizen of the Month

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - November, 2011

W.S. Permenter

W.S. grew up on a farm in Shelby County, Texas. In 1946, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S.Army and served in Japan for 18 months, marrying his high school sweetheart, Ann, when he returned home. Utilizing the G.I. Bill of Rights he received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He taught near Shelbyville for 5 years and in 1956 he and Ann moved to Cedar Hill (population 750) where he taught vocational agriculture and their daughter, Nancy, attended school.

For 11 years he was Ag teacher, then became Middle School Principal for 15 years. He was well known for his ability to discipline with love. In 1981 he became District Superintendent, eliminating debt and improving the bond rating. He retired in 1985 having been with the CHISD 29 years.

He and Ann held many positions with civic groups through the years. He served as Mayor two terms and he and Ann were founding members of the Chamber of Commerce and the Education Foundation He developed a good working relationship between the city and CHISD which has continued through the years. He and Ann were instrumental in saving many of the historic structures in the town square. During the 1980-90's they operated Permenter Real Estate where they found selling Cedar Hill easy as they believed it to be the best place to call home.

W.S. and Ann traveled (mostly by RV) throughout every state of the U.S. and 8 foreign countries before moving to Forest, Virginia to be near their daughter and family. In 2007 W.S.passed to his reward. Cedar Hill has indeed been blessed that the Permenter family call Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - October, 2011

Ann Permenter

Ann grew up on a farm in Shelby County, Texas and finished high school at Shelbyville High School in 1946. She graduated from Meadows-Draughan Business College in Shreveport, La, and worked in Shreveport until W.S. completed his military assignment. They were married soon after his return. In 1948 they moved to Huntsville, Texas where W.S. finished college and Ann worked at Texas Prison System in the records department. She was a "stay at home mom" for a few years before the family moved to Cedar Hill where they daughter, Nancy, attended school. Ann worked for the Cedar Hill school system for about four years, then for E & E Manufacturing almost 10 years. She then worked for several accounting firms in Dallas, and with Henry S. Miller Real Estate. After Nancy left for college, Ann attended Northlake College and received an Associate Degree in Real Estate. She worked for several realtors before she and W.S. opened Permenter Real Estate.
It was during her studies in real estate that she became ambitious about the restoration of downtown Cedar Hill. She says this was the most exciting work she was ever associated with. So many dear friends were as enthusiastic and cooperative in the projects as she and W.S. were, and they were the encouragement needed to get the jobs done. Ann says after their "next retirement" they traveled by RV throughout America.
Ann's most appreciated claim to fame (aside from being married to W.S.) is the "Certificate of Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Field of Historic Preservation" awarded to her by the Texas Historical Commission in November 1980. Ann says this certificate could not have been achieved without the wonderful Cedar Hill citizens. Though Ann now resides with her daughter in Forest, Virginia she is still considered a most beloved citizen of Cedar Hill whom we we have been dearly blessed to have a part of our community.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - September, 2011

Frankie Lee

Frankie Lee served as Cedar Hill City Secretary for 24 years with more than 30 years of employment with the City, the longest serving employee at the time of her retirement in 2008. She is a first-hand witness to the growth of Cedar Hill which grew from a population of 6,849 in 1980 to about 46,000 in 2008.

Frankie's great-grandfather, Newton A. Carrell, and grandfather, John S.A. Carrell settled their families in the Cedar Hill area around 1871. Newton A. Carrell served as Dallas County Justice of the Peace for several years in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Her parents, James and Faye Carrell, owned and operated a wholesale dairy on 77-acre farm south of town for 24 years, then raised cattle after closing the dairy. James delivered mail for the Cedar Hill Post Office for 22 years.

Frankie is a member of First United Methodist Church of Cedar Hill, where the Carrell family has a long history of service dating back to the Charter Membership of her grandfathers. Frankie is a member of the Cedar Hill Lions Club, serving on the Board of Directors, former Lion Tamer and long-time Chair of the Annual Pancake Breakfast. She was the Cedar Hill Lions Club "Grass Roots Lion" for 2007-08 and "Lion of the Year" for 2009-10. She serves as a Trustee and volunteer for the Cedar Hill Museum of History and is a member of the Texas Track and Field Officials Assoc., helping officiate track and field meets in Texas each year, including the annual Texas Relays at UT.

A 1966 graduate of Cedar Hill High School, Frankie attended UTA and is a graduate of the "Leadership Southwest" class of 1996-97. She has two daughters, Leslie Lee and Melissa Jett, and three grandsons, Jerod Godwin, James Jett and Grayson Jett. Frankie's late husband, Charles Lee, was a building inspector for Cedar Hill many years.

Frankie was an active Member of the Texas Municipal Clerks Assoc., N TX Municipal Clerks Assoc.,and International Institute of Municipal Clerks. In 2005, she was a Municipal Clerks' Honor Roll "Honoree." She received continuing education in municipal government through these organizations and the Office of Secretary of State as well as the Office of Texas Attorney General.

At her retirement reception, Frankie was presented the City of Cedar Hill Official Seal that hung behind the dais in the old city hall, which she promptly donated to the Cedar Hill Historical Society. She expressed great pleasure in having an opportunity to serve the citizens of Cedar Hill. Cedar Hill citizens have been blessed to have Frankie Lee as a part of the community.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - August, 2011

Dr. Chris Rose

Dr. Chris Rose - Frying Fish at Country Day with the Lion's Club

Chris Rose, D.V.M., a graduate of Texas A & M University, has served pets and owners in Cedar Hill for 28 years. Many remember the small house on Texas Street where he opened his veterinary practice, Central Animal Clinic. In 2004 the practice was moved to its current location at Highway 67 and Beltline Road.

Dr. Rose was Mayor (1991-96) and Councilman to Cedar Hill and has served on numerous city, school and civic committees. He and the clinic have been involved as sponsors of the Pet Show at Country Day on the Hill which is always well attended and enjoyed. He serves on the board of the Tri-City Animal Shelter and works closely with them in meeting the needs of many pets.

Dr. Rose has seen this small community grow into a thriving city in which he's proud to have been a part. His wife, Diane, is an elementary teacher and has been with the Cedar Hill ISD for 19 years.

Our community is blessed Chris and family call Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - July, 2011

Dr. Joe Potter

The history of Cedar Hill is no mystery to Dr. Joe Potter. In 1865 the Potter history began in Cedar Hill and has continued through today. Reared in Cedar Hill when there were only about 300 people in town, and with a heritage of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, it was only natural that Dr. Potter would grow up loving this community. Family businesses were in his blood working in his fathers lumber yard and before that his grandmother's downtown grocery. In those days, you knew everyone and everyone knew you.

So when it came time to settle down after college and dental school, the only place Dr. Potter could choose to set up his practice was Cedar Hill. This was no surprise to his friends since they had often heard him refer to Cedar Hill as the "hub of the universe". And so it began....thirty nine years of practicing dentistry and serving the people of the community he cares for so much.

He and his wife, Sylvia, set up their home in Cedar Hill. Sylvia taught for seven years at Bray and Plummer Elementary Schools following in the footsteps of Dr. Potter's mother who taught here for 25 years. They and their children, Clay aand Claire, have many happy memories of attending church at Cedar Hill Church of Christ where Dr. Potter was a Deacon, enjoying the lifestyle of Cedar Hill through city activities like Country Day on the Hill and establishing lifetime friendships both new and old. They have always considered it a beautiful place, much like the hill country around Austin.

Dr. Potter invested both his time and belief in the city of Cedar Hill as a wonderful place to live. He served on the City Council from 1980-1984 and was on the board of Directors for the Cedar Hill National Bank. In 1976, he and Dr. Clark built their first office together moving from the old bank building downtown. It was during those next years that Dr. Potter went on to serve as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Sec/Treasurer of the Chamber, Chairman of both the American Heart Assoc.of Cedar Hill and the United Way of Cedar Hill. When Lake Joe Pool was being considered, Dr. Potter attended a Senate/House Subcommittee on Appropriations meeting in Washington, DC representing the citizens of Cedar Hill. A favorite keepsake is the picture of Dr. Potter and his son standing in the dry lake bottom the day the dam was dedicated.

Today Dr. Potter practices dentistry in his newest investment in the community, his new office on Belt Line Road. The office was built with the belief that the people of Cedar Hill will continue to care for and support each other. And so, the history continues.

Cedar Hill is blessed the Potter family continues to make Cedar Hill their home.

Outstanding Citizen - June, 2011 Brenda Russell

Brenda was born in Dallas in 1948 to Nettie and Harvey Rose and was the youngest of 10 children. Due to her mother's illness Brenda lived with her oldest sister Leona and her husband, Billie Ray Chambers in Cedar Hill. The Chambers family was very important in her life. When she became school age, she lived with her parents attending school in Oak Cliff and spending weekends and summers in Cedar Hill. In 1964 she moved with her sister's family to attend Cedar Hill High School. When her brother in law was transfered she lived with Joyce and Willard Murdock to complete school in Cedar Hill.

Brenda married Allen Russell in 1966 and they have two sons, David and Christopher. Brenda worked in banking until she began working for the tax office of the City of Cedar Hill in 1978. The town's population was 1,800 with 4,200 tax accounts in the City and School District at the time. She was named tax assessor /collector for the City and School and was involved in the complicated matter of taking land for the Lake which included extensive agricultural backgrounds on the properties. In 2003, after 25 years of service she retired with Cedar Hill's population having grown to 46,000 and the accounts to over 16,000.

Brenda received her education through the State of Texas earning certifications as a Registered Tax Assessor / Collector, Certified Tax Administrator, and Certified School Administrator. She served on many TML and State committees during her terms of office as: President of Texas School Assessors Assoc., President of School Administrator's Assoc., Chairman of the Certified School Tax Administrator.

Brenda believes in giving back and served as: Education Instructor for State Tax Administrators (teaching administrative classes), Curriculum Committee for Tax A/C for the State (first working with Texas A&M to write curriculum for those entering business of taxation).

President of CH Historical Society in 1986, Fire Department Auxiliary (actor in both fundraising plays), First ladies softball team, Member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Charitable Sorority, Penn Farm Committee (serving on the first clean up), Writer of the Articles and Amendments for the CH Senior Citizen Organization and assisted County to bring Meals on Wheels to Cedar Hill senior citizens.

Since retirement Brenda enjoys taking care of the five grand children, Reagan, Jonah, Raylee, Allyson and Lindsey. Cedar Hill is blessed to have Brenda and Allen continue to call Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen for May, 2011 - Arch Hall

Archie Hall was born and raised in Dallas. During the 1930's when he was young he came to Cedar Hill with his parents to visit a friend. He always remembered how beautiful it was and in 1947 he bought some property on the west side on the edge of the escarpment. He loves Cedar Hill's beauty and small town closeness.

In 1950, while he was an engineer with Vought Aircraft in Grand Prairie, he designed and built his first home in Cedar Hill (population 1250 at the time). One entire wall was glass panels overlooking the valley. Word got around that a night club was being built and there was grave concern of dancing and gambling.

Arch is a member of the Cedar Hill First United Methodist Church and has two daughters, one son and several grand and great grand children. Arch and his wife, Amanda, opened A & A Real Estate in 1972. He promoted Cedar Hill at the National Association of Builders where all were amazed the beautiful Valley was here in the Dallas area. In 1984 they bought the building at the southwest corner of Cedar & Broad in the old town square to operate the realty business. This had been the home of Shorty Hood's BBQ for many years.

Arch was instrumental in halting the effort to turn 1200 acres on the west side of Cedar Hill into a seven city landfill. It is now Lake Ridge Estates. He went on to become President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor of Cedar Hill, chairman of Planning and Zoning, Highway 67 Transportation Committee rep and Chairman of the 1984 Comprehensive Plan.

Arch enjoys life in Cedar Hill and the many friendships he has developed. There is not much about Cedar Hill he can't tell you....from the escarpment, towers, lake, growth, preservation to Country Day. Shortly after Amanda passed away, Arch semi-retired and sold the business to Clark Stephenson. Celebrating its 30th year in operation in 2011 the business was moved to 909 W. Belt Line. Thank you to Arch Hall for being such a great citizen and community activist in Cedar Hill.

Outstanding Citizen - April, 2011 Brenda Raye

Brenda Kaye Raye was born in Cedar Hill in 1943. Her father's great grandfather settled on the southern edge of Cedar Hill in 1855 and her mother's family settled in the Duncanville area in the 1860's. Brenda's grandfather, "Cat" Switzer, attended Cedar Hill school in the 1910's and Brenda along with her four siblings began and completed school in Cedar Hill. Brenda married Marvin Taylor and they have three daughters, Donna, Sloan and Tessa. Brenda has a grandson, Tristan, who is the 7th generation and two great grand children, Joseph and Kelsie, who are the 8th generation to attend school in Cedar Hill.

For many years Brenda was involved with the Volunteer Fire Dept.Wives Auxiliary who sold food at the annual Old Settler's Reunion to raise funds. In 1992 Brenda was a key volunteer in the restoration of the Pleasant Valley Cemetery where many of her ancestors are buried. She acquired a Texas Historical Marker for the Cemetery in 1995. Brenda was an avid fundraiser in the restoration and preservation of Penn Farm and helped with hayrides, cook outs, ice cream socials and the building of a "spirit" float. Brenda was instrumental in the opening of the History Resource Center (1995-2010) at the Zula B. Wylie Library. Brenda has been a "co-organizer" of the annual Cedar Hill School Reunion for many years. Last years event at the Bray Elementary gym brought over 300 alumni together.

Brenda's passion for Cedar Hill history is deep and she continues to build her collection of documents and photographs, sharing them with the Cedar Hill Historical Society and assisting the Museum in the acquisition of Cedar Hill artifacts. Brenda is greatly loved and appreciated by the entire community.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - March, 2011

Dr. Frank Crawford

Dr. Frank Crawford was Cedar Hill's town doctor from 1952 through 1975. He made house calls in the middle of the night and gave student athletes free physicals. He was the first President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1965 after having been City Councilman in 1960-62. Among other civic activities he was City Health Official for Cedar Hill throughout his career. Crawford Park just off Straus road was named in his honor and he was honored by the City of Cedar Hill with the Distinctive Character Lifetime Achievement Award in January, 2011. Dr. Crawford was a Staff Physician at the SMU Health Center from 1975 through 1979. He originated the Family Practice Residency Program for Methodist Hospital and Southwestern Medical School of Dallas in 1979-81. He resumed his practice in Cedar Hill in the 1980's. He and his wife, Elizabeth, who was raised in Duncanville, have been active in the First United Methodist Church for many years. His daughter and family reside in Midlothian and son and family in Dallas. Shortly after the much loved Elizabeth moved to a retirement home with alzheimers, Frank's brother from Houston moved to Cedar Hill. Our community is priviliged to have the Frank Crawford family call Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizens - January & February 2011

Joe and Wanda Pitt

Joe and Wanda have been a great asset to the community for years and have worked diligently with the School, City and Historical Society to help Cedar Hill maintain it high quality of life. Cedar Hill is blessed they continue to make Cedar Hill home.

JOE PITT was born in 1942 and has spent his lifetime in Cedar Hill except while obtaining his Architectural Engineering degree at UT Austin shortly after having graduated third in his high school class. He joined the firm of Nagler Engineers in 1967 which later became TMBP Consulting Engineers where he is a partner. Joe specializes in structural and civil engineering and provided structural design for many schools in Cedar Hill, as well as many major structures in Dallas. He also designed the connector bridges at the Reunion parking between the Jeffereson St. and Houstong St. viaducts.

Joe has been active in civic affairs many years having served on the Cedar Hill School Board 1974 to 1989 and he continues to serve on the Building Code Appeals and Advisory Board since 1989. His evaluation report of the escarpment area of Cedar Hill resulted in escarpment preservation legislated by the Cedar Hill City Council. He is a lifetime member of the Cedar Hill Historical Society and is active in the Rotary Club. His hobbies are antiques, photography and computers.

Joe's stepchildren, Elaine Gage Gatlin, John Gage, Carolyn Gage Chaffin and Linda Gage, all graduated from Cedar Hill High School as did his daughter, Alison Pitt Karnes. Joe married Wanda in 1988 and they reside in the old barn his parents converted to a home in 1945.

WANDA PITT was born in 1943 and raised in Duncanville, Texas, the daughter of Jack Stanton and Carol Phillips. She first met Joe Pitt at church in 1954. At the age of 14 her family moved to San Jose, California. Wanda attended colleges in San Jose, Pensacola, FL, Meridian, MS, Sandiego, CA and Seattle, WA. She raised her children, Roger, Leigh and Elaine Harrison, in Seattle, WA where she was a teacher at Highline Community College. Upon returning to Texas in 1984, Wanda obtained a degree in Psychology at UT-Dallas and was employed by the Texas Rehabilitation Commission.

Wanda has been active in civic work throughout her life in California,Colorado,Washington and Texas, and was one of the first volunteers to Sesame Street in San Francisco in the 1960's. She served as President of the Des Moines, Washington Chamber of Commerce in 1982. Wanda, a lifetime member of the Cedar Hill Historical Society, held active board positions from 1986 through 1996. She served on the Cedar Hill Comprehensive Planning Committee and helped write the History of Cedar Hill Book, published in 2002. She researched and documented the history of the First Methodist Church of Cedar Hill and obtained Texas Historical Certification of its first cemetery now named Crawford's Tornado (1856) Graveyard.

In addition to gardening, cooking and restoring antiques, Wanda is an avid genealogist and traced her Phillips/Stallings family to th Revoluntionary War in North Carolina, descendants of Nicholas Stallings of Jamestown, Virginia 1635. She is also a 6th great grand niece of President Zachary Taylor and a cousin to President James Madison.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - December, 2010

Shirley Hendricks

Shirley Switzer Hendricks was born in Dallas in 1946, and grew up in Oak Cliff graduating in 1964. She attended cosmetology school during high school, received a hair dresser license in 1969 and worked in that capacity for a few years. She married, had two children and worked several jobs in the Dallas area.

In 1979 she re-married a “Cedar Hill Boy”, Jerry Hendricks. In 1983 they built a home on the homestead of her paternal grandparents on Houston St. (legally called “Original Town”). In the 1940’s her grandfather, “Cat” Switzer, was the first volunteer fire chief in Cedar Hill. Shirley’s grandmother, Vester, helped organize the “Women’s Firefighters Auxiliary” group that assisted the firemen by bringing food and drinks to the men as they fought fires. They also helped homeless families with clothing, food and temporary housing.

Shirley's paternal family continues back to the 1860's, with some of the early settlers living in a cave on the west side of the escarpment when they first arrived in the area. Jerry is a member of the A. A. Hendricks family that settled in Cedar Hill in the 1840's. A. A. Hendricks had a business in Old Town making farm equipment. This town is definitely in both of their heritages making Cedar Hill feel just like home.

Shirley worked for the Cedar Hill Schools for eight years as manager in the Food Service Dept. In 1996 she purchased “The Gingerbread House” restaurant and developed the “Bed & Breakfast” upstairs in the 1884 R. A. Roberts home on Broad Street. The Roberts home has two historical markers, one for the house and one for the community development of the railroad by Dr. R. A. Roberts.

Shirley worked as a labor of love for two and one-half years compiling, editing and helping write the Cedar Hill History Book which was published in 2001. The book is over 400 pages with more than 650 photos. The book was written and published for the historic education of the citizens of Cedar Hill and as a fund raising project for the Cedar Hill Historical Society which evolved into the Cedar Hill Museum of History. Copies of the history book are still available through the Museum or the Library. She worked on several boards for the city and serves as a historian for Cedar Hill.

We are especially proud Shirley and her family continue to make Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - November, 2010

Linda Clark Patton This photo goes back a few years, but Linda is still the beauty she was years ago. She was raised in Cedar Hill and graduated from Cedar Hill High School in 1962. Her grandfather John M. Clark came to the area in 1905 to farm. Her father Martin Clark was also raised here. Martin and Linda's mother, Marietta Few Clark, opened the family business in Cedar Hill in 1954. It is the oldest family business in Cedar Hill, Clark-Patton Insurance and is now being managed by third generation grandson, Jay Patton.

Linda married Greg Patton in 1966 and they have two wonderful children, and four grandchildren which she considers her favorite hobby along with gardening. Linda has been active in the community all her life and has served in the PTA holding a National Life Membership, director of the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce, member of the Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees, a founding member of the Cedar Hill ISD Education Foundation where she is still an active director. She is a member of the Keep Cedar Hill Beautiful committee and the Superseeders Garden Club. She and Greg were honored this year as Country Day on the Hill King and Queen. Greg was honored as our Citizen of the Month for December, 2009 (see below). Cedar Hill is blessed to have Linda and her family continue to call Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - October, 2010

James Franklin Mobley "Jimmy" was born in Cedar Hill in 1945. He graduated from Cedar Hill High School in 1963 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UTA in 1969. He married Patricia Duane in 1974. He received his Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech School of Law in 1984. He and Pat were King and Queen of the Hill in 2009 and both continue to be extremely active in the community while Jimmy runs a legal practice and Pat operates Reunion Title at 701 W. Belt Line.

Jimmy and Pat raised four children, Ricky Purifoy, Susan Purifoy, Sherri Purifoy-Frie and Melissa Mobley Schuelke, all graduates of Cedar Hill Independent School District. They have seven grandchildren, Shandi, Brandon, Madisen, Tristan, Caleb, Colby and Luke.

Jimmy has held the following postions:

Cedar Hill City Council 1969-71 & 1976-80

Home Rule Charter Commission 1973-74

Published Cedar Hill Citizen Newspaper 1971-74

President of prior Lions Club 1975

Board of the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce 1986-88

President of the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce 1988

Cedar Hill School Board 1986-98 & 2000-2001

Member First United Methodist Church,

Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chairman-late 80's early 90's

Master of Cedar Hill Masonic Lodge 1991-92 & 2010 to present

Master of Chambers Creek Masonic Lodge 1999-2001

Member Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas ByLaws Committee 1999-2006,

Chairman 3 years

Member Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Jurisprudence Committee

Member/Board Member Cedar Hill Historic Society 1980's to current

The community of Cedar Hill is very blessed that the Mobley family continues to make Cedar Hill their home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - September, 2010

L. Kim Lewis was born at Dallas Methodist Hospital in 1953. He grew up in Midlothian where he graduated High School in 1971. Little did he know at the time that his career in education had been launched in 1970 when he became a bus driver for Midlothian ISD as a seventeen year old.

Shortly after graduation from UTA, Kim was hired as the Assistant Bookkeeper for Cedar Hill ISD in 1976 under Supt. Bill Kennedy. CHISD had only 900 students and 100 employees at the time. Thirty one years and six Superintendents later, Kim was appointed Chief Operating Officer by Superintendent Horace Williams. By contrast, CHISD now has over 8,100 students and 1,000 employees.

Although Kim has witnessed a lot of change in Cedar Hill over his 35 year career, he fondly recalls one of the most challenging, yet rewarding times for him was a 9 month period in 1987 when he and then Curriculum Director, Carmyn Douglas, were appointed Co-Acting Superintendent. The Board of Trustees was involved in a state-wide search for a superintendent. The District was involved in preparation for a multi-million bond election and simultaneously working to counter a tax rollback petition. As Kim remembers it, “Carmyn and I were at some sort of community meeting every night of the week. Our opposition was strong and well organized. However, by the time it was all over, our opponents had become our good friends.” The bond package eventually passed and the citizens turned back the rollback petition.

Kim lives southeast of Midlothian on the farm that his great grandfather purchased in 1892. Outside of the two jobs he loves the most (CHISD and Midlothian Bible Church treasurer), his favorite pastimes include hunting, fishing and hiking “fourteeners” in Colorado.

Outstanding Citizens of the Month - August, 2010

Carolyn Newport McKee was born into the Hall family and lived most of her life in Dallas. She started doing business in Cedar Hill in 1983 when she and her husband, Bill, operated Cedar Hill Engraving and Awards and the Cedar Hill Jewelry and Loan which was first on Texas Street in the Historic District of Cedar Hill, then moving to the southwest corner of Belt Line and Clark Road. She also worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 30 years.

She and her husband, Jim, love volunteering in the community and opening their beautiful home to groups for parties and meetings. They routinely hold dinners various community churches.

Carolyn's involvement with the food concessions of the State Fair of Texas began 60 years ago as a small child helping her mother. She has many titles having operated Newport Concessions at the State Fair for years, and being past chair of the following: Country Day on the Hill, Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce 1995, Lone Star Showman's Club 1986, Metropolitan Veteran's Assoc. 1980, and the State Fair Livestock Auction for 10 years. She is an active board member of the Cedar Hill Education Foundation since 2008 and has been on the Texas Association of Fairs and Events for 25 years.

Carolyn was recipient of Cedar Hill's "Golden Cedar Lifetime Achievement Award 2007" and the Texas Association of Fairs & Events "Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award 2010". She is a graduate of Leadership Southwest 1994, member of the Cedar Summit Book Club and member and vestry of Good Shepherd Church in Cedar Hill.

Cedar Hill is blessed to have such a wonderful person as Carolyn call Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - July, 2010

Glenn E. Glenn Clark, a dentist who has been practicing in Cedar Hill since 1970, was born in Laramie, Wyoming and came to Texas via his college years at T.C.U. After graduation he attended Baylor College of Dentistry. His first office was in the old bank building on the square where he practiced from 1970-1976.

Over the years, Dr. Clark and his wife, Alicia, have been actively involved in many community organizations including the First United Methodist Church, Bridges Safehouse and the Cedar Hill Historical Society/Museum. Glenn is a 40 years member of the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce and served 18 years on the Cedar Hill ISD School Board. He recently was awarded a Life Membership in the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.

In 1976, he and Dr. Joe Potter built offices at 211 W. Beltline. In 1998, Glenn and Alicia's son, Dr. Brian Clark joined the practice. Brian's wife, Dr. Shelly Clark, has a pediatric dental practice next door. Glenn's daughter, Stephanie Maglisceau, is a special education counselor and her husband, Tom is a local high school principal. Glenn and Alicia have five wonderful grandchildren of whom they are very proud. Cedar Hill thanks the Clark Family for all they have done and continue to do for our community.

Outstanding Citizens of the Month - May & June, 2010

J.R. and Traphene Hickman are honored this May and June as Cedar Hill's Outstanding Citizens. Their 60th wedding anniversary is June 9th. We wish this stellar couple our best and thank them for all their years of community service.

J.R.(John Robert) was born southwest of town in what was known as Pleasant Valley 82 years ago. He is the great-grandson of Jean Baptists Holveck who moved to Cedar Hill from LaBrouge, France in 1877. J.R. attended Pleasant Valley School in his early youth which was during the Depression Era. His homeplace is now under the waters of Joe Pool Lake. He was employed by Southwestern Bell, climbing poles in the early years and later holding various management positions. He served our country in the marines during the Korean War.

Traphene Parramore came to Cedar Hill from Oakcliff when she was in the ninth grade. She became director of the Cedar Hill Public Library from 1959-1977 and was promoted to Director of Dallas County Library System from 1977-1993. In 1976 she compiled the "History and Pictorial Directory of Cedar Hill."

They have both been extremely active in the First Methodist Church, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, the Democratic Party and many community groups including CHISD programs. They share a love of storytelling and are active members of the Tejas Storytelling Association and the Dallas Storytelling Guild having held offices in both. They have two daughters, Rebecca Lynn and Laurie Sue, three grandsons and two great granddaughters. We are blessed that this loving family calls Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - April, 2010

Stephen Clifton Phillips was born in 1952 and passed away on February 2, 2010.

He was born in Oak Cliff and graduated from Kimball High School. He received a BS in Business from Harding University in Arkansas and served in the Air National Guard. He began his lifelong career in the lumber business with his father and became owner and President of Phillips Lumber Company. He mentored Boy Scouts in Troop 520 for 18 years, helping countless young men become Eagle Scouts instilling respect for his high expectations and logical, disciplined focus toward all goals.

Active in the development of Cedar Hill, he served as City Councilman, Mayor pro tem, President of the Main Street Development/Preservation Board and was instrumental in the revitalization of the Downtown Historic District.

He enjoyed traveling to Colorado with his family- wife Robin, and children Jason, Cheryl and Christopher as well as cooking out with his family and friends. He was deacon of the Church of Christ and a generous, kind, caring person with great love and service for his community, church and fellowman. He will indeed be missed by the entire Cedar Hill community.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - March, 2010

Elizabeth Gay Hunt was reared in Cedar Hill and graduated from Cedar Hill High School in 1997. She spent part of her junior and senior years in Argentina as a student in a foreign exchange program. After her high school graduation, she ventured off to Aggieland and completed a BS in Industrial Distribution and a BA in International Studies with an emphasis in Latin America. She also lived in Italy and Costa Rica while studying at Texas A&M University.

In 2006, Elizabeth enrolled at Texas State University to pursue a BS in Interior Design. Because the Cedar Hill community continues to be important to her, Elizabeth presented an interior and lighting design for the Cedar Hill Museum of History as part of her Senior Honor and Design Thesis. Inspired by the natural landscape, beauty, sense of community and Cedar Hill history, her design concept focused on the museum's interior and told the story of the Cedar Hill Community embracing history and nature.

Elizabeth lives in Austin, Texas with her three dogs. Currently she works for Rockford Business Interiors as an Account Manager creating more effective and ergonomic enviornments for the workplace. As the owner of eHunt Design she continues to practice lighting design and creates unique sterling silver jewelry.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - February, 2010

Charles Ray Sims was born in 1925 in Cedar Hill just north of the site of Bray Elementary. While still very young his parents bought a home at 406 W. Beltline (east of Main St.). Then later as a young boy they moved to a farm outside of Cedar Hill. Both his grandparents lived in Duncanville and he remembers many get togethers with his cousins there while growing up.

In 1943 he graduated from Cedar Hill High School and spent 2 years in the Army during WWII primarily serving in Asia. When he came home he worked for Reserve Life Insurance in Dallas and car pooled with a group which included Verna Jean Jones. Before he knew it she had moved to the front seat and has been by his side ever since.

After about 15 years in the insurance business, he began working with his cousin at Sims Grocery, then located on Highway 67 when it was only two lanes. In 1968 due to the widening of the highway, the Sim's Drive In moved to its current location in the historic town square and Charles Ray and Verna Jean bought the business and operated it until 1984 when Charles Ray became Cedar Hill's first paid Fire Chief.

He had served as a volunteer fireman (and firechief periodically) for almost 35 years prior to becoming employed as Cedar Hill's Firechief and the Citizens of Cedar Hill sincerely thank him for all his outstanding service.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - January, 2010

Lois Duvall Cannady was raised in Midlothian and in 1946 married Joe Cannady, a native of Cedar Hill. At that time Cedar Hill had 750 residents, two grocery stores, one barber shop, one cleaner, a post office and a drug store in the downtown area with a few scattered service stations.

From 1953 until retirement in 1994 Lois was employed as a land supervisor for an independent oil operator and usually carpooled to Dallas. In 1982 she and Joe purchased and restored the 1908 "Cannady House" and enjoyed gardening, antiquing and traveling.

In the early 1980's she and five others organized the Cedar Hill Historical Society and she served as president for four years and continues to be an active board member. In 1984 she was honored as Chamber "Woman of theYear" and in 2002 she was Country Day "Queen of the Hill". The Cedar Hill Masonic Lodge honored her as "2004 Community Builder" and in 2009 she was given the "Golden Cedar" award by the Chamber. She served as first president of Bridges Safe House and continues to be an active board member.

The community of Cedar Hill is blessed and privileged that Lois continues to call Cedar Hill home.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - December, 2009

Greg Patton is from Terrell, Texas and met his wife, Linda Clark who is from Cedar Hill, while in college at Texas A & M at Commerce which was then East Texas State University. He received a B.B.A. degree in Economics and Finance. After working a short time at Ling Temco Vought in Grand Prairie he joined his father-in-law's insurance business in Cedar Hill. He was a volunteer fireman for twenty years and retired in May of this year as City Councilman after serving for nine years.

Greg and Linda have a daughter, Jenny, and a son, Jay who runs the family business. The family has been involved with the Cedar Hill Church of Christ since the early 1950's. Greg served as chairman of the Home Rule Charter Commission in 1975, past President of the Chamber of Commerce and Lion's Club. They have four grandchildren with one, Audrey, being a fourth generation student of the Cedar Hill ISD.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - November, 2009

Peggy Mayfield Wilson was born in Austin, Texas, on March 24, 1927. Peggy's parents did without many things in order for her to attend the University of Texas where she received degrees in chemistry. She has a proud heritage with her great great grandfather sacrificing his life in the Battle of the Alamo and his brother in the Battle of Goliad.

In 1953 she moved to Dallas when hired by Magnolia Petroleum company (Mobil Oil Corp.). She was Mobil's first female Ph.D. and became their first woman manager of a research group where she traveled to Europe for duties on drilling rigs 100 miles offshore Norway in the North Sea. In Mobil's behalf, she authored about 15 U.S. patents and about 30 in Canada and Europe. In 1989, she and her husband, W.W. Wilson, III, Lt. Col., USAF retired in Cedar Hill.

From lengthy volunteer service in the Dallas city plan department, she realized that Cedar Hill was about to grow rapidly and would need more money for infrastructure. The city council agreed and assigned her the task of establishing an economic development program, which citizens soon supported in a sales tax election. She chaired the comprehensive plan committee in the 1990's and was Cedar Hill's first woman city council member. She continues civic and school volunteer activities.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - October, 2009

Jimmie Ruth Hughs White was born May 6,1941 in Waco and raised in Killeen, Texas.

In 1976 she and her husband, Jim, opened Spotlight Dance Studio on Hickerson Street in Cedar Hill, bringing the best in dance education to our community as well as a ray of sunshine to all. Summers from 1980 through 2001 she traveled with the Hoctor Dance Caravan training dance instructors and dancers all over the United States. In 1980 she and Jim moved their Dance Studio to the historic downtown area purchasing the T.A. Bray building on Houston. She has been the driving force behind the quality growth of Country Day on the Hill. Her son, Paul Allen, resides in Southlake and daughter, Ellen, in Maypearl.

Photograph taken October, 2007 - Jim and Jimmie Ruth White honored as King and Queen of the Hill.

Outstanding Citizen of the Month - September, 2009

Rosa Belle Bordner Plummer was born October 15, 1914 in Desoto and received a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University. She taught 2nd grade from 1935 until 1980 for the Cedar Hill School. For many years she also taught high school typing and shorthand and coached girl's basketball. She married Jess Plummer in 1936 and was a member of the Church of Christ. She was awarded as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the PTA, crowned Queen of the Hill in the late 1980's and Plummer Elementary was named after her. She was loved by all and on June 2, 1980 the City honored her with Rose Belle Plummer Day. When she received this news she responded, "You have helped fill my life with beauty, joy and grace. You helped make the world we live in a better and happier place."

She passed away November 25, 2005 at age 91 and is survived by her daughter, Jadene Plummer Brown.

Photograph of Rose Plummer taken in 1962. There is a display at the Government Center on Uptown Blvd. which acknowledges this as Rose Plummer month, along with Cedar Hill's old school photographs and information.

Distinguished Citizen of the Month - August, 2009

Amanda McFarland Hall was born in Van Nuys, California 0ctober 20, 1940, the younger sister of Spanky McFarland of the "Little Rascals". Her family moved to the Dallas area when she was a small child and she graduated from Adamson High School in Oak Cliff.

After moving to Cedar Hill, Texas she and her husband, Archie Hall, had one son Keith Hall. Amanda and Archie had a successful real estate business in Cedar Hill for many years.

In the 1980’s she was a delegate to the National Republican Party Convention and in 1998 she was the second woman elected to serve on the Cedar Hill City Council.

Amanda loved Cedar Hill and gladly served her community. She held various board positions and memberships to Country Day on the Hill, Chamber of Commerce, City of Cedar Hill 2008 Comprehensive Plan, Cedar Hill Main Street Program, Cedar Hill Historical Society, Cedar Hill Museum of History, Cedar Hill Citizen’s Police and Fire Academy and was a founding member of the Cedar Hill Independent School District Education Foundation. Amanda was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

She passed away in Cedar Hill, Texas June 23, 2009.

If you would like to nominate a special Citizen (current or previous) who has gone above and beyond to help build our community, let us know why you feel they should be honored and the years they lived in Cedar Hill. We will need contact information for you and your nominee.