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2014 SPECIAL SESSION I


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 505
Celebrating the life of Shirley Hurdle Lassiter.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, April 8, 2014
 

WHEREAS, Shirley Hurdle Lassiter, an educator, civil rights leader, and lifelong resident of the Commonwealth, died on April 1, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Nansemond County, Shirley Lassiter graduated from I.C. Norcom High School and Norfolk State University and actively supported both schools as an alumna; she earned a master’s degree from Hampton Institute and studied at Old Dominion University; and

WHEREAS, a vigorous and dedicated advocate for civil rights, Shirley Lassiter participated in several sit-ins throughout the Tidewater area; and

WHEREAS, becoming a teacher in the 1960s, Shirley Lassiter worked to prepare students for higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship by celebrating students’ accomplishments and offering free tutoring sessions in her home; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Lassiter provided new opportunities for her students as a member of the Mayor’s Sister Cities Commission and the director of the Southern African Youth Exchange program, which helps enrich students’ lives through cultural experiences, and the L. D. Britt, M.D., Scholarship Fund, which encourages students to pursue careers in medicine; and

WHEREAS, donating her time and wise leadership to enhance the Portsmouth community, Shirley Lassiter served on many boards and civic organizations, and as a chief election officer in Portsmouth she encouraged others to fulfill their civic duty; she was a founding member of the Portsmouth Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Lassiter earned countless awards and accolades for her many contributions to Portsmouth and the Commonwealth, including awards from Zeta Phi Beta and the local NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Lassiter will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members, friends, former students, and members of the Portsmouth community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Shirley Hurdle Lassiter, an educator, civil rights leader, and pillar of the Portsmouth community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Shirley Hurdle Lassiter as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for her memory.