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2011 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 584
Celebrating the life of Edith R. Jones.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 14, 2011
Agreed to by the Senate, January 20, 2011

 

WHEREAS, Edith R. Jones of Norfolk, a trailblazer in the fight against poverty and a staunch advocate for humanitarian causes, transitioned to eternal life on May 25, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of Norfolk, Edith Jones was born on September 2, 1938, the second of three children of the late Emanuel R. and the late Everette Mae Robinson; she was christened Edith Maxine Robinson; and

WHEREAS, Edith Jones accepted Christ at an early age and was an active participant in her church, where her upbringing prepared her for a lifelong commitment to helping others; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of the Norfolk Public School system, Edith Jones furthered her education at Norfolk State College; she then moved to Newburgh, New York, and graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing; and

WHEREAS, Edith Jones married Arthur Hammonds, Sr., and became a proud mother before returning to Norfolk years later; and

WHEREAS, in the mid-1960s, Edith Jones became the first Head Start nurse for the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunities Project (STOP) Organization; and

WHEREAS, during her 44 years of service, Edith Jones worked her way up the ranks in the agency serving in several capacities, including deputy director, before becoming president/CEO of The STOP Organization - Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, Edith Jones was widely recognized for her professionalism, strong leadership, compassion for the disenfranchised, and willingness to do whatever was necessary in order to effect positive change; and

WHEREAS, Edith Jones graciously gave of her time and talents on many boards and commissions during her career, including the Governor’s Job Training Coordinating Council, Hampton Roads Workforce Investment Board, Beacon Light Civic League, Southside Boys and Girls Club, NAACP, Garden of Hope Community Development Corporation, and Virginia Community Action Partnership; and

WHEREAS, Edith Jones received numerous awards and accolades for her community service including the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Public Service and Community Award and several other civic and fraternal awards; she was particularly honored when a Head Start center was named for her in Chesapeake; and

WHEREAS, Edith Jones was highly respected in the community as someone who always focused on uplifting and empowering individuals and families so they could achieve their maximum potential; and

WHEREAS, a caring and devoted mother, Edith Jones will be greatly missed by her children, Patricia, Deitra, Michael, Jeffery, Arthur, Rodney, and Donnell and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly note with great sadness the loss of an extraordinary leader and compassionate citizen, Edith R. Jones; 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 Edith R. Jones as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.