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2015 SESSION

15105395D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 942
Offered February 23, 2015
Commending Laura Pearson.
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Patrons-- LaRock, Minchew, Carr, Cole, Davis, Futrell, Greason, Hope, Kory, Landes, Morrissey, Rasoul, Villanueva and Ware; Senators: Black, Vogel, Barker and Ebbin
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WHEREAS, Laura Pearson, who served the community of Philomont in western Loudoun County with great dedication as postmaster for 50 years, retired on January 9, 2015; and

WHEREAS, the role of postmaster of Philomont is a family affair for Laura Pearson; the village’s first postmaster was a cousin, her grandfather and father-in-law also served as postmasters of Philomont, and she became the town’s postmaster in 1965 after her brother-in-law died suddenly while serving in that position; and

WHEREAS, Laura Pearson was appointed postmaster by President Lyndon B. Johnson, through his Postmaster General John A. Gronouski; she has worked for her entire postal career at the tiny country post office, located in the back of Philomont General Store; and

WHEREAS, postal customers enjoyed being greeted by Laura Pearson’s smile and friendly manner; when she started as postmaster in Philomont five decades ago, a first-class stamp cost five cents, and there were 40 mail boxes; today, “Forever” stamps are preferred by customers, and Philomont has 200 mailboxes; and

WHEREAS, as postmaster, Laura Pearson often was at the center of the close-knit community; from her office behind a small counter in the back of the general store, she served customers, dispensed postage, handed over mail, and kept abreast of goings-on in the area; and

WHEREAS, in retirement, Laura Pearson plans to continue her involvement in the community; she is a local historian and belongs to the ladies auxiliary of the Philomont Volunteer Fire Department, Roszell Chapel United Methodist Church, and other organizations; and

WHEREAS, Laura Pearson was a dedicated employee of the United States Postal Service and has fond memories of her decades as postmaster—describing her customers as her best friends—and she leaves a legacy of uncommon service and commitment to ensuring that each day’s work was done before she went home; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Laura Pearson, who served the community of Philomont in western Loudoun County with great dedication as postmaster for 50 years, on the occasion of her retirement on January 9, 2015; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Laura Pearson as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and admiration for her dedication and service to the people of Philomont, Loudoun County, and the Commonwealth.