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2006 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 31
Commending Mary E. Johnson.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, January 12, 2006
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 20, 2006
 

WHEREAS, Mary E. Johnson, an admired and respected citizen and educator, is recognized for her outstanding service to the community of Hampton; and

WHEREAS, Mary Johnson was born on Christmas day, December 25, 1915, graduated from George P. Phenix High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), and received a master’s degree in elementary education from Boston University; and

WHEREAS, Mary Johnson was a classroom teacher and an administrator during her 40-year career in education, retiring in 1979 as the principal of Langley Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Mary Johnson is well-known for her advocacy for the restoration of the Little England Chapel, which is the only known African-American chapel in the Commonwealth and a state and national historic landmark; and

WHEREAS, Mary Johnson was also instrumental in laying the foundation for the Newtown Learning Center, which will become a part of the future Little England Chapel Cultural Complex; and

WHEREAS, Mary Johnson exhibited a special talent for inspiring people to do good works, as well as a proficiency in writing grants and securing funds for community improvement; her neighborhood of Newtown was one of the first areas to be granted aid from the City’s Neighborhood Services Department; and

WHEREAS, committed to improve the academic success of neighborhood children, Mary Johnson entreated Spratley Middle School students to tutor Newtown students after school and also help with homework; and

WHEREAS, because of her endless energy and devotion to the community, Mary Johnson has been honored with many awards, including the Daily Press Citizen of the Year award and the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals' Echoes of Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement; she also was recognized by the Hampton City Council for her outstanding efforts on behalf of young people; and

WHEREAS, Mary Johnson has served as a member of the board of the Hampton Health Department, the Friends of Charles Taylor Library, the Hampton NAACP, Hampton-Newport News Community Services, and as past president of the Virginia State Reading Association and the Newtown Improvement and Civic Club, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, an exemplary public servant, Mary Johnson has had a remarkable career as a teacher, principal, and community advocate; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend Mary E. Johnson for her many accomplishments and outstanding service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mary E. Johnson as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and gratitude for her commitment to the citizens of Hampton Roads, especially its young people.