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2012 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 296
Celebrating the life of Frances Wood McClenney.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 3, 2012
Agreed to by the Senate, February 9, 2012

 

WHEREAS, Frances Wood McClenney, who served as an influential and widely respected teacher and public school administrator in the City of Richmond, died on November 18, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Chase City, Frances McClenney, the daughter of Dyke and Mary Wood, grew up on a farm alongside her six siblings before earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Paul’s College and later, a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University; and

WHEREAS, Frances McClenney relocated to Richmond when she married her college sweetheart, Dr. Earl H. McClenney, Jr., and began her distinguished career in education as a teacher at Mosby Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, an admired instructor in the Richmond Public Schools system, Frances McClenney was selected as the first black teacher at Ginter Park Elementary School as the school system began to integrate in the 1960s; and

WHEREAS, a firm believer in the importance of education, Frances McClenney strove to create a positive learning environment for all of her students and encouraged them to excel in their endeavors; and

WHEREAS, after receiving her master’s degree, Frances McClenney moved into administration, becoming the first black principal at Ginter Park Elementary School; she also served as the principal of Westover Hills Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, a tireless leader, Frances McClenney provided wise counsel and insight to new teachers as they embarked on their careers and worked to more effectively involve parents in the educational process; and

WHEREAS, despite a busy professional schedule, Frances McClenney took an active role in community affairs as a deacon at Riverview Baptist Church and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Frances McClenney remained true to her rural roots throughout her life, organizing Chase City Connection, which brought together residents of Richmond who shared her hometown connection; and

WHEREAS, devoted to her family, Frances McClenney leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Dr. Earl H. McClenney, Jr.; children, Madeline and Jacqueline, and their families; numerous other family members and friends; and former students and colleagues; 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 admired educator and administrator, Frances Wood McClenney; 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 Frances Wood McClenney as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.