Opal Catherine Warren Yarborough

YARBOROUGH, OPAL CATHERINE WARREN (1903~2002) Opal Catherine Warren Yarborough, wife of United States Senator Ralph Webster Yarborough, was born in Murchison, Texas, on June 12, 1903, to Frank Cole and Jonnie Lee Ard Warren. She and her husband, Ralph, shared a childhood in Chandler, Texas. She graduated in 1924 with honors from C.I.A. College, Denton (now Texas Woman's University) and taught home economics for four years before her marriage in 1928. She was among the first recipients to receive the T.W.U. Distinguished Alumna Award in 1969. She was Deputy District Clerk for Travis County while her husband served in World War II. She was a charter member of PEO Sisterhood, BQ Chapter, and the Austin Woman's Federation, an organizer of the Austin Lawyer's Auxiliary, a past president of the American History Club Austin chapter, and of the Austin Art League. She was an active member in many Washington, D.C. groups including Senate Spouses; board member of Congressional Wives; nominating committee of Woman's National Democratic Club; Congressional Circle Friendship House; Texas Ladies Society. She saw a need and helped with the publication of visitor guides in Washington sites. She was her husband's wise counsel during his many political campaigns, and used her organizational talents to bring people together on the campaign trail. She was not one to sit still when there was work to be done. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing groups, especially needlepoint which she taught. Her home was her strength and her gift to her family and the many she graciously hosted. She inspired many younger women, family and friends and campaign workers, with her quiet courage during her long productive life. Mrs. Yarborough passed away, at age 99, on November 10, 2002. Information taken from obituary, Austin American-Statesman, Thursday, November 14, 2002.