Background
Vries, Robbie Ray Parsons de was born on September 11, 1929 in Idabel, Oklahoma, United States. Daughter of General Forrest Senior and Jessie Demma (Burch-Oldham) Parsons.
illustrator author international consultant
Vries, Robbie Ray Parsons de was born on September 11, 1929 in Idabel, Oklahoma, United States. Daughter of General Forrest Senior and Jessie Demma (Burch-Oldham) Parsons.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Journalism, Oklahoma State University, 1952. Postgraduate, University Houston, 1988. Postgraduate, Rice University, 1989.
Postgraduate, University St. Thomas, 1997.
Secretary to manager drafting and survey Shell Oil Corporation, Houston, 1952-1953. Subordinate teacher Spring Branch Indiana School District, 1989-1992. President, owner Robbie P. de Vries Interests, since 1983, author, illustrator, public, international consultant, since 1989.
Vice president Oilfield Systems, Inc., Houston, since 1981, international studies department University St. Thomas. Board directors Friends of Oklahoma State University Library., Stillwater. Member Friends of University Houston Library., since 1981.
Board directors, consultant Center for International Trade, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, since 1990. Invited guest Peoples Republic of China/United States State Department, China, 1992. Board associates New International School Oklahoma State University, 1999.
Lecturer on intercultural communications Oklahoma State University, 1999, 2000. Consultant Habitat for Humanity International. Invited guest to Egypt, Israel and Jordan by United States State Department, 1999.
International coordinator Habitat for Humanity, Philippines, international coordinator for better housing Egypt, Israel, Jordan. Volunteer cultural and international areas New Orleans, 1960—1969, Houston, since 1969. Home host international youth exchange, Netherlands, 1978.
Grand jury member Harris County, Texas, 1986—1987. Patron Junior League, Houston, since 1970. Docent Museum Fine Arts, since 1974.
Co-chairman Houston-Baku, Azerbaijan, Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics Sister City, 1979—1989. Member magic circuit Greater Houston Women's Foundation. Member donor Baylor Medical School Development, since 1990.
Member magic circuit Republican Women Greater Houston Women's Foundation, since 1989. Board directors New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, 1964—1969, Houston Symphony Society League, 1972, Institute International Education, Houston, since 1969, Boy Scouts American, Houston, since 1980. Board directors, chair international conference Young Women’s Christian Association, 1986—1987.
Member of American Association of University Women (past president), National Museum Women in the Arts (charter), Texas-Netherlands Business Association, Houston Council Writers, Inspirational Writers, Texas Fine Arts Association, Asia Society, Houston World Affairs Council, National Women's Hall of Fame, Forum Club Houston, Tuesday Music Club (yearbook cover designer 1975-1978), Étoffe Littéraire (founder, Founder's award 1985), Mu Kappa Tau.
Married Douwe de Vries, April 2, 1953. Children: Jessica Joan de Vries Kij, Peter Douwe.