DICKINSON, SYBIL EUDORA (1911 ~ 1981). Sybil Eudora Dickinson, member of the Texas Historical Commission and longtime state employee, was born on June 5, 1911, in Yoakum, Texas, to Ernest Luther and Mary Eudora Woodrome Dickinson. At the age of 24, she moved to Austin to work for Colonel Ernest O. Thompson, Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas.
After leaving the Railroad Commission in 1950, Sybil went to work for Secretary of State Ben Ramsey, as the director of administration. In this capacity, she was responsible for maintenance of corporate and political records. Throughout her 30 years in this office, she worked with 17 secretaries, who were appointed by five different governors. By her retirement in 1979, she was well known throughout the state and was often called the "resident" secretary of state by her colleagues.
A devoted student of Texas history, Sybil, whose family dates back to the times of Stephen F. Austin, was a member of the Texas Arts Alliance, the Austin Heritage Society, the Texas Historical Foundation, and the Texas Heritage Council. While still working with the Secretary of State's Office, Governor Dolph Briscoe, on April 28, 1977, appointed her to the Texas Historical Commission. She was confirmed by the State Senate on May 5, 1977.
Before completing her term on the Historical Commission, Miss Dickinson passed away on September 14, 1981. That same day, she was given special permission by Governor William P. Clements, Jr. to be buried in the Texas State Cemetery. She was buried two days later, with all secretaries of state since 1950 serving as honorary pallbearers.
Information taken from her obituary in the Austin American-Statesman, Tuesday, September 15, 1981, and Governor's Proclamation #41-1837. |
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