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2010 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 140
Celebrating the life of Constance M. Houston.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, January 28, 2010
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 12, 2010
 

WHEREAS, Constance Houston, a devoted and admired community and public servant, died on June 26, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Constance “Connie” Mumford was born in Salisbury, Maryland, and grew up in Selbyville, Delaware; and

WHEREAS, an industrious and hardworking student, Connie Houston received a bachelor’s degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Kentucky University; and

WHEREAS, Connie Houston was dedicated to her family and she had the wonderful opportunity to travel and live in various places in support of her husband, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel James Houston, as they raised their beautiful daughter, Ashlie; and

WHEREAS, moving to the Northern Virginia area in 1985 and desirous to serve in her community, Connie Houston became actively involved in the Fairfax area chapter of the League of Women Voters, serving as its president from 1993–1997; she served as president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia from 1997–2001; and

WHEREAS, during her time with the League of Women Voters, Connie Houston spearheaded the legislative effort to allow election workers to split shifts during the election day and worked for the implementation of the Virginia FAMIS legislation to provide low-cost health insurance for children in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Connie Houston also served as a member of the board of the Fairfax County Water Authority since 1989 and as board vice chairman since 2005, where she was known for her intelligence and diplomacy; she served on every committee during her 20-year tenure and worked to build consensus on a variety of issues; and

WHEREAS, Connie Houston also served as a diligent and knowledgeable aide to Delegate Stephen Shannon before becoming an aide to state Senator Janet Howell; and

WHEREAS, patient, resourceful, and loyal, Connie Houston dealt with constituents, other members of the General Assembly, and various staff members in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner; and

WHEREAS, in her various roles, Connie Houston exemplified the dedication, common sense, and hard work of a true public servant; and

WHEREAS, a woman known for her many friends, cheerful manner, and delightful laugh, Connie Houston will be sorely missed by her loving husband of 42 years, Jim; her daughter Ashlie, son-in-law Steve, and granddaughter Avery Madison; and her numerous friends and admirers; 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 a dedicated and admired community and public servant, Constance M. Houston; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Constance M. Houston as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.