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2014 SESSION

14103526D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 182
Offered January 20, 2014
Celebrating the life of Alexander Albert Johnson, Sr.
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Patron-- Dance
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WHEREAS, Alexander Albert Johnson, Sr., of Disputanta, a farmer with a deep interest in the world around him and a civil rights pioneer in Prince George County, died on December 22, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Alexander Johnson assumed many responsibilities early in life, withdrawing from Union Branch School to support his family, cutting pulpwood, and working at other jobs; and

WHEREAS, Alexander Johnson married Ruth Bland in 1942 and was drafted the following year and assigned to a segregated Quartermaster unit in the United States Army; he saw combat action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, earning several decorations and citations; and

WHEREAS, after the war, Alexander Johnson returned home to Southside Virginia and rejoined Hercules, Inc., now known as Ashland, Inc.; he and his wife had started a family, which eventually grew to three daughters and two sons; and

WHEREAS, a few years later, Alexander Johnson decided to farm on land that was owned by the family; always an eager learner, Mr. Johnson enrolled in night school for three years to study agricultural practices through a program of the Prince George Cooperative Extension; and

WHEREAS, Alexander Johnson’s hard work and determination to provide for his family resulted in a highly productive farming operation; during the winter months, he worked at Fort Lee and at local businesses to supplement the family income; and

WHEREAS, as president of the Prince George County branch of the NAACP, Alexander Johnson worked to integrate the public schools in the county and on voter registration drives; he often farmed all day and then spent the evening driving around the county to register new voters; and

WHEREAS, a largely self-taught man for most of his life, at age 60, Alexander Johnson completed a course in the principles and practice of real estate; he was known in the community as a “walking history book,” reflecting his interest in people, politics, and history; and

WHEREAS, a man of deep faith, Alexander Johnson was a lifelong member of Union Branch Baptist Church, serving in many positions, including deacon, trustee, member of the Usher Board, Sunday school teacher, and treasurer for more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Ruth, Alexander Johnson is survived by his children, Deloris, Constance, Novella, Alexander, Jr., and Conrad, and their families, and numerous other family members and friends; 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 Alexander Albert Johnson, Sr., whose faith, love of family, interest in the world around him, and civil rights work greatly benefited Prince George County and the Commonwealth; 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 Alexander Albert Johnson, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.