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2011 SESSION

11105530D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 80
Offered February 23, 2011
Celebrating the life of Kathy Gear Owens.
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Patron-- Gilbert and Peace
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WHEREAS, Kathy Gear Owens, a respected attorney, former substitute judge in the 8th Judicial District, and devoted community advocate, died on February 19, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hampton, Kathy Owens graduated from Kecoughtan High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a law degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at The College of William and Mary; and

WHEREAS, a tenacious and hardworking attorney, Kathy Owens became the first woman to practice law in the City of Hampton, earning the respect of her male colleagues while opening doors for future female attorneys; and

WHEREAS, in 1987 Kathy Owens established her own law practice, serving her clients with great skill and dedication for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, in addition to helping her clients, Kathy Owens was a substitute judge in the 8th Judicial District from 1994 to 2001 and in 1997 was appointed a Commissioner in Chancery in the 8th Judicial District; and

WHEREAS, in 2009 Kathy Owens went to work for the Commonwealth as a Magistrate Advisor in the Office of the Executive Secretary for the Supreme Court of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, respected and admired by her colleagues for her strong work ethic and knowledge of the law, Kathy Owens was a member of numerous bar associations and a frequent lecturer on family law, domestic violence, and military retirement benefits; and

WHEREAS, as a high school junior, Kathy Owens was selected to attend Girls State; she continued that affiliation throughout her life as a counselor and speaker in addition to supporting youth through the Hampton Child Protection Team, the York County Schools Student Mentor Program, and the YMCA High School Model Judiciary Program; and

WHEREAS, Kathy Owens was named Miss Phoebus in 1975, and, as an adult, continued to serve as an ambassador for the community as a member of the Phoebus Civic Association and treasurer of the Phoebus Days Committee; and

WHEREAS, Kathy Owens was a trailblazing woman who compassionately and enthusiastically reached out to support those around her, touching the lives of countless individuals; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her father, Thomas, Kathy Owens will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Billy; beloved daughter, Claire; mother, Anna; brothers, Thomas and Donald and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of a groundbreaking attorney and community supporter, Kathy Gear Owens; 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 Kathy Gear Owens as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.