SEARCH SITE
VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL
- Code of Virginia
- Virginia Administrative Code
- Constitution of Virginia
- Charters
- Authorities
- Compacts
- Uncodified Acts
- RIS Users (account required)
SEARCHABLE DATABASES
- Bills & Resolutions
session legislation - Bill Summaries
session summaries - Reports to the General Assembly
House and Senate documents - Legislative Liaisons
State agency contacts
ACROSS SESSIONS
- Subject Index: Since 1995
- Bills & Resolutions: Since 1994
- Summaries: Since 1994
Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.
2016 SESSION
WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., a child musical prodigy, was born on December 31, 1944, in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward community and was called from labor to reward on February 12, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was educated in the Richmond public school system, graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1963, and attended Virginia Union University for two years before he was drafted into the United States Army in 1965; during his military service, he served as a chaplain’s assistant and chapel organist at Fort Benning, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, self-educated in music from the age of four and with deep Pentecostal roots at Jerusalem Holy Church, Harold S. Lilly, Sr.’s unique musical gift was nurtured and encouraged by his mother; his musical genius was influenced by such music legends as Perzelia Goodwin, Marie Goodman Hunter, and Robert J. Jones, Jr.; and his ability to flawlessly execute the most difficult of sacred, secular, traditional, and contemporary gospel music on the pipe and Hammond organs was awe-inspiring; and
WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was employed for many years by Walter D. Moses, Baldwin, and Corley music stores in Richmond to demonstrate and sell the Hammond, Allen, and Rodgers organs; and
WHEREAS, for nearly 60 years, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., enjoyed a musical career as a renowned organist, serving as minister of music for schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and numerous churches, among them Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Mosby Memorial Baptist Church, Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Broomfield C.M.E. Church, Sharon Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, and First African Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, due to his artistry and stunning performances, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was highly sought as an organist and was the guest organist for the annual Emancipation Proclamation Day Service for the Richmond Baptist Ministers’ Conference since the early 1970s; he served the City Wide Revival for 33 years and was showcased as the principal instrumentalist for the Ebony Fashion Show as well as the Broadway musicals Purlie and Momma, I Want to Sing; and he was the featured guest artist for the 2010 Richmond Folk Festival; and
WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., mentored other musicians and helped pave the way for many aspiring local African American performers, and he sought to enhance his amazing talent by practicing every day, beginning the groundwork for performances with prayer, planning, and preparation; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as “Professor Lilly,” Harold S. Lilly, Sr., served and dazzled the Richmond metropolitan community with his skills on the organ at worship services, revivals, weddings, organ recitals, and funerals; he was invited frequently to lecture at local and national music workshops; and
WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was honored with a celebration by the Old Landmark Gospel Association and Musical Friends on October 4, 2014, in Richmond to acknowledge his extraordinary musical talent and 60 years of faithful service to the Richmond metropolitan community; and
WHEREAS, a very disciplined man, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., is fondly remembered for his charm, affability, debonair deportment, and impeccable appearance; he wore suits every day because he always wanted to look his best; and
WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., will be mourned by his family, friends, and colleagues, and his memory will be cherished by all whose lives were touched by him; 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 Harold S. Lilly, Sr.; 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 Harold S. Lilly, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory and appreciation of his commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Richmond and the Commonwealth through his gift of music.