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2012 SESSION

12103153D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 192
Offered January 17, 2012
Celebrating the life of Sophie Ann Relson Salley.
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Patrons—McClellan, McQuinn, Carr, and Morrissey
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WHEREAS, Sophie Ann Salley, a vibrant and intelligent woman who took an active role in civic and community affairs in Richmond for decades, died on December 17, 2011; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in the British concession in Tianjin, China, Sophie Ann Salley developed an early appreciation for different cultures and an interest in international affairs that would stay with her throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, Sophie Ann Salley moved to the United States in 1939, graduating from Western College and attending Columbia University before helping to preserve some of the nation’s many records as an archivist for the Library of Congress and the National Archives; and

WHEREAS, in 1955 Sophie Ann Relson married T. Raysor Salley, Jr., and relocated to Richmond, his hometown, immersing herself in family life and community and political affairs; and

WHEREAS, Sophie Ann Salley generously gave of her time and energy to numerous organizations, including the Fan District Association, the Richmond First Club, the Woman’s Club of Richmond, and Planned Parenthood of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, an enthusiastic volunteer, Sophie Ann Salley took part in local and statewide Democratic Party committees and activities for years, serving as Democratic Party ward captain in her neighborhood and as one of Virginia’s Democratic electors to the Electoral College in 2008; and

WHEREAS, mindful of her own formative experiences as a child and youth growing up in a foreign country, Sophie Ann Salley encouraged positive international interactions through her work with the U.S.-China People’s Friendship Association and Richmond’s Sister Cities Program; and

WHEREAS, a longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Sophie Ann Salley enjoyed worship, fellowship, and service alongside fellow members and reached out to the community through her participation in the church’s Lenten Lunch program; and

WHEREAS, a remarkably vibrant woman, Sophie Ann Salley inspired others with her tireless energy and genuine commitment to and advocacy of her ideals; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband of more than 55 years, Thomas Raysor, and son, Henry, Sophie Ann Salley will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her surviving son, Thomas; four grandchildren; 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 hereby note with great sadness the loss of an outstanding citizen of the Commonwealth, Sophie Ann Relson Salley; 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 Sophie Ann Relson Salley as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.