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2020 SPECIAL SESSION I


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 616
Celebrating the life of Willie Copeland Sessoms.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, October 2, 2020

 

WHEREAS, Willie Copeland Sessoms, an accomplished educator and beloved member of the Virginia Beach community, died on September 19, 2020; and

WHEREAS, born in Ahoskie, North Carolina, Willie Sessoms earned a degree in education from East Carolina University before embarking upon a teaching career in Littleton, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, after moving to Virginia Beach, Willie Sessoms assumed a position at Malibu Elementary School, where she contributed greatly to the success of her students both in and out of the classroom for many years; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her deep and abiding Southern Baptist faith, Willie Sessoms enjoyed worship and fellowship for more than 65 years with her community at First Baptist Church of Virginia Beach, where she served on various committees, taught Sunday school, and was instrumental to various church functions and charitable programs; and

WHEREAS, as part of her indefatigable efforts on behalf of First Baptist Church of Virginia Beach, Willie Sessoms was actively involved in maintaining the church’s food pantry, ensuring that no family in her community would have to suffer from hunger; and

WHEREAS, Willie Sessoms celebrated the holiday season, her favorite time of year, with a bounty of traditions that continue to inspire her family and keep her memory close; and

WHEREAS, Willie Sessoms was very proud of both of her children—her son for his public service as an emergency medical responder and as vice mayor and mayor of the largest city in Virginia and her daughter for her service as a longtime educator; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her loving husband, William, Sr., Willie Sessoms will be dearly remembered and fondly missed by her children, William, Jr., and Barbara, and their families, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Willie Copeland Sessoms, an esteemed educator who touched countless lives through her warmth, wisdom, and grace; 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 Willie Copeland Sessoms as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for her memory.