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2012 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 73
Celebrating the life of Dorothy Rouse-Bottom.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 13, 2012
Agreed to by the Senate, January 19, 2012

 

WHEREAS, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom, a vibrant scholar, editor, businesswoman, and community advocate who formerly served as an editor and owner of The Daily Press, Inc., died on October 12, 2011; and

WHEREAS, born into the well-known Rouse-Bottom publishing family who owned, along with the Van Buren family, The Daily Press, Inc., Dorothy Rouse-Bottom received a bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College before moving to East Harlem, New York, where she became a social worker; and

WHEREAS, in 1977 Dorothy Rouse-Bottom returned to the Hampton Roads area and joined the family business as an assistant editor; she became editor of the editorial page in 1983 and served in that capacity and on the board of directors until the company was sold in 1986; and

WHEREAS, a passionate believer in the positive role that newspapers play in the community, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom provided brilliantly crafted commentary on local, state, and national events to loyal readers; and

WHEREAS, after the family business was sold, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom returned to New York, where she worked as a book editor and received a master’s degree from Columbia University in sixteenth-century English history; and

WHEREAS, later in life, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom returned to the Hampton Roads area, working again at the Daily Press while graciously donating her time and energies to promote her beloved hometown; and

WHEREAS, fascinated by local history, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom worked to ensure the preservation of Hampton’s rich heritage through her efforts with the Port Hampton History Foundation, Mariners’ Museum, and commemoration of Hampton’s 400th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom played a pivotal role in the creation of the Hampton History Museum, generating enthusiasm and support from local leaders and residents; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom possessed a deep appreciation for the Hampton Roads area and served on the boards of Christopher Newport University, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Opera, and Virginia Symphony; and

WHEREAS, a woman of tremendous intellect, grace, and compassion, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom devoted her life to serving others in whatever capacity she could and leaves behind beloved family members, friends, and admirers to cherish the memories of her generous spirit; 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 respected citizen of the Commonwealth, Dorothy Rouse-Bottom; 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 Dorothy Rouse-Bottom as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.