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2011 SESSION

11100304D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 507
Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled November 2, 2010
Celebrating the life of Lora McGlasson Robins.
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Patron-- Loupassi
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WHEREAS, Lora McGlasson Robins, a noted philanthropist whose generosity enhanced numerous institutions and impacted individual lives in the Richmond community, died on August 22, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Lora Robins was born on June 24, 1912, in Waco, Texas, the third of five children of John and Lora McGlasson; and

WHEREAS, a hard-working student, Lora Robins graduated from Waco High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University; she taught school for a year before working in her father’s law office, where she met her future husband, E. Claiborne Robins; and

WHEREAS, Lora Robins married E. Claiborne Robins on her 26th birthday in 1938; they moved to Richmond and enjoyed over 55 years of marriage and had three wonderful children, Elizabeth, Ann, and E. Claiborne, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, throughout her long and productive life, Lora Robins generously contributed to numerous organizations in the Richmond area, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Historical Society, and Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross; and

WHEREAS, Lora Robins, along with her family, donated over $200 million to the University of Richmond; she founded and supported the Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature, which showcases collections of natural objects, cultural art, and decorative and fine arts; and

WHEREAS, a woman who loved beauty and nature, Lora Robins devoted herself to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, located on the Northside of Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Lora Robins’ generous financial contributions and passionate involvement over the years enabled Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to grow and fulfill its mission of educating the public as well as position itself for continued success in the future; and

WHEREAS, a donation from Lora Robins and her husband enabled the construction of the Robins Tea House, which was dedicated in 1993 to provide visitors with a place to enjoy a meal and the beauty of nature; and

WHEREAS, after the death of her beloved husband in 1995, Lora Robins continued to support Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens; the new visitors center named after her husband opened in 1999, providing an enhanced experience for visitors; and

WHEREAS, in 2002 the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens opened the Lora Robins Library, which now houses over 7,000 titles, watercolor drawings of plants, catalogs of plant and seed sources, and various special collections; and

WHEREAS, a gracious and caring woman with a great “can-do” spirit, Lora Robins accomplished much in her long life, creating an enduring legacy in the Richmond area; and

WHEREAS, Lora Robins will be greatly missed by her loving children E. Claiborne, Jr., Elizabeth, and Ann and their families; numerous other family members and friends; and the Richmond community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a beloved and admired Virginian, Lora McGlasson Robins; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Lora McGlasson Robins as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.