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2012 SESSION

12105231D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 354
Offered February 10, 2012
Celebrating the life of Martha Ann Matthews Ayers.
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Patrons-- Ward and BaCote
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WHEREAS, Martha Ann Matthews Ayers, a lifelong educator who taught in the Newport News public schools for more than two decades, a devoted wife, and an active supporter of many community organizations, passed away on February 3, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Martha Ayers was born in Kingstree, South Carolina, and attended South Carolina State University, where she received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree; she was active in the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, as a teacher for more than 40 years, Martha Ayers made a memorable and positive impact on the lives of countless students; she worked at the former G.W. Carver Middle School and at Menchville High School; and

WHEREAS, when Martha Ayers retired, she devoted her talents and energies to many community associations; she was a longtime member and former president of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Newport News/Hampton Section, where, in 2006 she implemented “The Visionaries” mentoring program for young women; and

WHEREAS, Martha Ayers also was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Hampton Alumnae Chapter, the NAACP, the Twentieth Century Women’s Club, the Aberdeen Historic and Civic Association, and the Hampton Retired Teachers Association; and

WHEREAS, Martha Ayers will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by Robert, her devoted husband of 52 years, and by many other family members, friends, colleagues, and former students; 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 talented and dedicated teacher and a loving wife who steadily worked to make her community a better place, Martha Ann Matthews Ayers; 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 Martha Ann Matthews Ayers as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory and deep appreciation for her work to educate Virginia’s children.