Shelby's Social Diary

Another Bush in the White House? Enthusiastic, big money Houston audience hopes it's true

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush might be demuring on his thoughts about running for president in 2016 but there were those in the enthusiastic audience at the Salvation Army Annual Luncheon on Thursday that clearly are hoping to see a third Bush in the White House.

The son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of former President George W. Bush was keynote speaker at the fundraiser held at the Hilton Americas-Houston where close to 600 guests help raise more than $500,000. While his recent book, Immigration Wars: Forging an American Solution, focuses on one aspect of national policy, Jeb Bush's talk centered on the need for education reform.

"What matters," he said, "is that people are hurting in incredible numbers in our country."

Bush's message: Stop dumbing down expectations of students, start holding teachers accountable, embrace school choice and accept the wisdom that "every child can learn." He praised the Salvation Army's hurricane aid in Florida during his two terms as governor, took on the politics of politics and railed at government gone wrong.

"What matters," he said, "is that people are hurting in incredible numbers in our country."

Presidential campaign or no, Jeb Bush gave off rock star vibes at the VIP reception that preceded the luncheon. Guests such as Dr. Dick Stasney and David Wuthrich were among those in the long line of folks waiting to purchase the book and to shake Jeb Bush's hand. Luncheon chairs Margaret and Kim Wheeless and Houston advisory board chair Jeff Early were on hand at the reception to welcome the big luncheon donors.

Family members in the audience included former President George H.W. Bush ("The greatest man I'll ever meet," Jeb Bush noted), Barbara Bush, Maria and Neil Bush and Pierce Bush. The senior Bush, not in the best of health, had said that he seldom gets to see Jeb speak and he didn't want to miss this opportunity.

It was a day for families. The luncheon honored the families of Jack Blanton and Elizabeth and Peter Wareing, recognized for four decades of philanthropy. Among the family members present were Kelli and Eddy Blanton, Ginger Blanton and Leslie and Jack Blanton Jr.

The impressive turnout included Janice McNair, Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Beth Early, Linda McReynolds, Jule and Albert Smith, Jeanie Kilroy Wilson and Wally Wilson, Lilly Andress, Betty Hrncir, Andrea and Bill White, Vicki West, Mary and John Eads, Regina Rogers, Ann Bookout and Jeff Love.

Harlan and Trent Hrncir, from left, with Betty Hrncir at the Salvation Army luncheon.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Harlan and Trent Hrncir, from left, with Betty Hrncir at the Salvation Army luncheon.

unspecified

RIP, Wally

Texan Wally Funk, oldest woman to travel into space, dies at 87

Wally Funk aboard Blue Origin New Shepard

Photo courtesy of Blue Origin

The 82-year-old Wally Funk became the oldest person to go to space on July 20, 2021.

GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer who was the oldest woman to launch into space, has died. She was 87.

Funk died Wednesday, July 8 at her apartment in an assisted living facility in Grapevine, Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O'Dell said Thursday. O'Dell, who described herself as Funk's caregiver, said she was by Funk's side. Funk had fallen a couple of times recently and had an infection in her leg.

“It took its toll,” O'Dell said in a phone interview.

Wally Funk became a hometown hero in Grapevine. Facebook/Wally Funk's Space for Race

Funk was one of 13 female pilots who went through the same tests as NASA’s all-male astronaut corps in the early 1960s but never made it into space. In 2021, she got her chance aboard Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. At the time, the 82-year-old was the oldest person to go into space, though the record was later broken by “Star Trek” actor William Shatner and Ed Dwight, America’s first Black astronaut candidate. They were both 90.

Bezos chose Funk as an “honored guest” to ride alongside him and two others on an up-and-down hop from West Texas aboard his Blue Origin rocket.

In interviews after the 11-minute flight, Funk enthusiastically told reporters, "I loved every minute of it. I just wish it had been longer.”

Wally Funk in her '20s as a flight instructor. Facebook/Wally Funk's Space for Race

She became a hometown hero when she returned home to Dallas-Fort Worth; the city of Grapevine threw a parade for her history-making experience.

“Wally Funk never stopped believing that one day she would reach space. Her passion for flight, perseverance, and love of exploration will continue to inspire generations of Americans. Godspeed, Wally,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman posted Thursday on X.

---

This story contains material from CultureMap story archives.

obituary wally funk celebrities deaths