Janet Francis Award
The Janet Francis Award honors outgoing Preservation Texas board members for their exceptional service and dedication to our organization. Named in recognition of Janet Wheat Francis, this award celebrates her pivotal role in shaping Preservation Texas from its earliest days. A lifelong advocate for historic preservation, Janet was one of three founding trustees who incorporated the organization in 1985. She later served as president in 1997 and remained a steadfast supporter and generous benefactor throughout her life.
Janet Wheat Francis (1940-2024)
In 2025, the Janet Francis Award was presented to the following Preservation Texas board members:
SUE MORRIS LAZARA
Linden, Texas
2025
Sue Lazara was born and raised in Linden, Texas. When she returned home after a distinguished career to serve on her hometown’s city council, she became a fierce advocate for preserving its built heritage. When historic buildings faced demolition, Sue rallied her community, declaring, “There has to be another way.” Her leadership saved countless landmarks, including Linden’s historic homes, the WPA-funded water tower—a source of local pride—and the iconic Linden Fire Station, which Preservation Texas acquired under her guidance. This stabilized landmark is now the focus of an ongoing fundraising campaign to complete its renovation.
Sue’s expertise is rooted in her academic and professional achievements. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, she pursued graduate studies in theoretical mathematics and statistics at the University of Southern California. Her career took her to the Los Angeles Times, Haug Associates, and ultimately to the vice presidency of DRI, Inc., later acquired by the global marketing giant WPP in London. Yet her heart remained with preservation, the arts, and nature conservation.
Sue’s impact spans coasts and communities. As a board member of the Linden Heritage Foundation, she has traveled throughout Northeast Texas. Her work extends to California, where she founded the Glendale Youth Orchestra and led preservation efforts for landmarks like the Eastlake Glendale Doctors’ House, the Greco-Egyptian AlexTheatre, the Queen Anne Goode House, and the Craftsman Lanterman House. In North Carolina, as a former board member of Preservation Burlington, she completed the restoration of the 1916 Manly Baker House, a National Register property now serving as her part-time residence.
In 2003, Sue’s dedication to her roots shone through when she authored Cass County’s Courthouse Master Plan, secured a Texas Historical Commission grant, and raised matching funds to preserve the 1861 courthouse. Her efforts have earned her prestigious recognition, including Preservation Texas’ Clara Driscoll Award for 18 projects in Linden and state-level preservation awards in both Texas and California.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and hands-on preservationist, Sue continues to inspire through her restoration work and investigative research on the life and work of Robert Potter, and early Texas politician.
Preservation Texas is profoundly grateful for her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and transformative contributions to preserving the stories and places that define our heritage.
CHARLENE ORR
Forney, Texas
2025
Charlene Orr’s journey in historic preservation is nothing short of inspiring. As a past president of Preservation Texas, she has been a driving force behind many of our most impactful programs and initiatives. Her vision and commitment helped shape our Public Policy program, strengthening our advocacy efforts at the State Capitol in Austin. She also played a pivotal role in the strategic planning for the Bassett Farms Conservancy, a cherished gift from the Sparkman Family that will benefit future generations.
Before her time with Preservation Texas, Charlene served as the executive director of Historic Mesquite for 24 years, retiring in 2019. As the City of Mesquite’s historic preservation officer, she oversaw the restoration and management of the 13-acre National Register Opal Lawrence Historic Park, preserving a vital piece of our shared history. Her earlier career as a reporter and freelance writer for local publications and Billboard magazine honed her ability to communicate the importance of preservation to diverse audiences.
Charlene’s expertise is matched only by her passion. With a degree in public administration from the University of Texas at Dallas, she furthered her knowledge through prestigious programs like the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Leadership Training and the Texas Historical Commission’s Winedale Museum Seminar. Her leadership extends across the state, having served as chairman of the Kaufman County Historical Commission, Friends of the Kaufman County Historical Commission, and marker chairman for the Dallas County Historical Commission. As a founding member and treasurer of the Texas Lakes Trail board, and tourism committee chairman for the Mesquite Convention & Visitors Bureau, Charlene’s influence has been profound.
Her contributions to preservation are vast. Charlene has consulted on critical issues, from drafting preservation ordinances to creating outreach programs, preserving archives, photos, and textiles, and developing collections management policies. Her work with city officials and communities has ensured that Texas’s heritage remains vibrant and protected.
The awards were presented at Preservation Texas’s 2025 Honor Award Ceremony in San Antonio on October 30, 2025.
