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2004 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 222
Celebrating the life of Alma Alverta Norris Jackson.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 4, 2004
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2004

WHEREAS, Alma Alverta Norris Jackson was called home to glory on February 9, 2004, at Goodwin House in Alexandria, surrounded by her loving family; and

WHEREAS, as the fifth of nine children, her position in the family freed her from domestic chores to be her father's medical assistant and to pursue her love of dance; and

WHEREAS, a very gifted and talented tap dancer, her siblings agreed that she was the most charming, adventurous, and popular member of the family; and

WHEREAS, in pursuit of her dream to become a physician, Alma Jackson, by age 13, was accompanying her father on house calls; and

WHEREAS, at age 16, she entered Virginia Union University, where as a chemistry major, she interrupted her studies to marry Lieutenant Isaiah A. "Jack" Jackson, Jr., M.D., a resident in orthopedic surgery, who subsequently joined his father's practice in Richmond; and

WHEREAS, after the birth of her sons, Isaiah II and Morgan, she resumed her academic career, graduating cum laude from Howard University in 1953 and from the Catholic University in 1984 with a master’s in Library Science; and

WHEREAS, Alma Jackson's life was filled with significant achievements, including becoming the first African-American librarian at Reynolds Metals Company and A.H. Robins Pharmaceuticals, the first member of her family to become fluent in French and to reside in Africa and Asia, and the only freshman to be crowned Miss Union in the history of Virginia Union University; and

WHEREAS, she was the consummate comforter and supporter of loved ones and friends and was always available to encourage them with her warm smile and loving assistance; and

WHEREAS, Alma Jackson's faith in God strengthened and sustained her throughout her life, and, since childhood, she was faithful to unite with a church where she could continue to practice the principles of her faith wherever she resided, serving without reservation at Calvary Baptist Church in Kilmarnock, First African Baptist Church in Richmond, and Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington; and

WHEREAS, a devoted mother and grandmother, she was a veritable Harvard matriarch, the alma mater of her sons and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, she actively participated and served as a leader in many community organizations, including the Richmond and Arlington Chapters of The Links, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and

WHEREAS, she also served as the legislative assistant of Senator Benjamin J. Lambert, III, providing for him the same support and encouragement she affectionately bestowed on all who knew her; and

WHEREAS, Alma Jackson, in her final hour with her beloved family close by, comforted and exhorted them saying, "We did the best we could"; and

WHEREAS, Alma Jackson's warmth, love, and encouragement undergirded her family, and these enduring qualities endeared her to every one she encountered; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Alma Alverta Norris Jackson, a native daughter; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Alma Alverta Norris Jackson as an expression of the high regard in which her memory is held by the members of the General Assembly.