Former Lubbock NAACP leader receives Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer award

Lubbock’s Rose Wilson will receive the Governor's Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award at First Lady Cecelia Abbot’s 39th annual OneStar Foundation’s Governor's Volunteer Awards next month in Austin.

Since the 1960’s, Wilson has been active with Lubbock’s NAACP and became the first African American woman elected president of the organization in 1978. She served as president for 30 years. A news release from the Governor's office praised Wilson for her service.

"Rose Wilson continues to leave an outstanding legacy in Lubbock with decades of volunteer service spanning from fighting food insecurity to mentoring students to advancing social justice causes," the statement reads.

Originally from Houston, Wilson came to Lubbock in 1955 with her children to help her mother, but ended up staying in Lubbock and never looked back, she said.

Over the years, Wilson has contributed to the Lubbock community through charity work and volunteering.

At 95, with great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, Wilson continues to help the Lubbock community by helping with volunteer events and serving on boards.

Wilson expressed gratitude for the recognition from the governor's office and for the Lubbock community.

“I am never leaving Lubbock until God calls me home," Wilson said. “To receive such an award, I am truly honored.”

Wilson said still strives to serve her community because of all the people she has met and because she loves to help people, adding she does not plan to stop anytime soon.

About the Volunteer Awards

Last month, First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor's Volunteer Awards, announced the recipients of the 39th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards, presented in conjunction with OneStar Foundation, honor the exemplary service of individuals, groups, and organizations that have made a significant contribution to Texas communities through service and volunteering in the past year, reads a news release from the governor's office.

“I am thrilled to recognize the 14 outstanding winners of this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards for their selfless dedication to Texans across the state,” said Cecilia Abbott. “The true strength of Texas is found in our people, and this year’s award winners are a moving testament to the character of the Lone Star State.”

“This year’s award recipients reflect the strength and resilience inherent in the Texan spirit of service,” said OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee. “We are honored to shine a spotlight on these stellar examples of volunteer service with the hope that it will inspire even more generations of Texans to get involved and take action in their own community.”

Awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April at a reception hosted at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Former Lubbock NAACP leader receives Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer award