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2010 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 60
Celebrating the life of Geraldine Elizabeth Gatlin Smith.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, January 21, 2010
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 29, 2010
 

WHEREAS, Geraldine Elizabeth Gatlin Smith of Virginia Beach, an influential and respected district missionary of the Church of God in Christ, died on December 6, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Smith was born to loving parents, Elder James Gatlin, Sr., and Alverta Mae Gatlin, on July 1, 1931; and

WHEREAS, a woman devoted to her family, Geraldine Smith married the love of her life, Frank Smith, and they had six wonderful children, Gwendolyn, Sharon, Elvis, Darlene, Carlton, and Frank Jr.; and

WHEREAS, called at an early age to her purpose in life, Geraldine Smith was privileged to serve as a “Tool for the Lord” throughout her long life; and

WHEREAS, known for her vocal talent, Geraldine Smith sang at countless services throughout her life and received many offers to sing with popular gospel singers and groups, including the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Caravans, and Mahalia Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Smith labored diligently for the church in various positions throughout her life, especially with the youth of the church, whom she inspired, mentored, and loved; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Smith was instrumental in the formation and development of the New Hope Church of God in Christ along with her brother and then pastor, Elder James Gatlin, Jr., and her husband, Elder Frank Smith, Sr., its current pastor; and

WHEREAS, an inspiring and mesmerizing speaker, Geraldine Smith served diligently as a missionary throughout her life, traveling throughout the nation and across the seas to hold revivals; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Smith was especially known for her love of others; she housed people in her own home and provided food, clothing, and monetary assistance to those in need; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Smith, a devoted servant, built a legacy of love and compassion for others that will endure into future generations; and

WHEREAS, Geraldine Smith leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Frank; their surviving children Gwendolyn, Sharon, Elvis, Darlene, and Carlton and their families; foster children Theresa, Rachel, and Carlton and their families; and numerous friends and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly note with great sadness the loss of a devout and caring woman, Geraldine Elizabeth Gatlin Smith; and, be it

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