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Hundreds celebrate former first lady Barbara Bush in downtown Houston

Mayor Sylvester Turner and several of Houston's leading clergy members from different faiths offered tributes to Bush. She died at her Houston home Tuesday at age 92.

HOUSTON — Hundreds packed Hermann Square to celebrate the life of Barbara Bush Thursday evening. Children played a key role.

Under Old Glory outside Houston City Hall, children took center stage. The Houston Children’s Chorus sang in honor of former first lady Barbara Bush, her impact on the city and its young minds.

“I think that (she) died and went to God,” said Angel Galeas, 6, who watched in the crowd.

RELATED: City Hall illuminated in blue in honor of Barbara Bush

Hundreds held a portrait of Bush in their hands. In hearts, the wife and mom of presidents inspired.

“We remember Barbara Bush this evening as tough, resilient and yet at the same time tender and compassionate,” a speaker said during the program.

Mayor Sylvester Turner called Bush the “Yellow Rose of Texas” full of grace and grit who lived to make a difference in the lives of people of every race and religion through reading.

“Barbara Bush knew that if you give a child the gift of learning how to read it is a gift that keeps on giving,” Turner said.

Her work through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation reeled in competitors in a global robotics contest downtown.

“Barbara Bush always like children and education and we are here because of children and education so we want to honor her,” said Jack Illyamoreyna of Shanghai, China.

RELATED: Barbara Bush's devotion to literacy memorialized in downtown Houston plaza

Jessica Gonzalez brought her 6-year-old who knew little about Bush to learn.

“I think it’s good for her to learn,” Gonzalez said. “She doesn’t really understand what’s going on, but I think it’s good for her to be here.”

Galeas already knew a thing or two. He crafted a tribute to Bush and begged his mom to bring him.

“(She) liked helping kids read,” he said.

Bush’s life left a legacy that Houston will never forget.

“I can’t describe it because it’s just phenomenal,” Barbara Hargrove, a lifelong Houstonian said.

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