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2021 SESSION

21102551D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 320
Offered January 20, 2021
Celebrating the life of Dr. John E. Thomasson.
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Patrons-- Reeves, Bell, Boysko, Howell, Peake and Spruill; Delegates: Byron, Cole, J.G., Cole, M.L., Davis, Fowler, Heretick, Hope, Rasoul, Reid, Simon, Simonds, Ware and Watts
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WHEREAS, Dr. John E. Thomasson, an esteemed mortician who made history as the first African American elected to public office in Louisa County, died on July 22, 2020; and

WHEREAS, John Thomasson founded Thomasson Funeral Service in Louisa County in 1951 and lovingly supported his community by caring for its mortuary and funeral needs for more than 53 years; and

WHEREAS, John Thomasson became the first African American elected official to serve Louisa County when he won a seat on the Louisa County Board of Supervisors in 1979; after losing his seat in 1981, he would be re-elected in 1985 and ultimately serve a total of six years on the board as the Patrick Henry District representative; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure on the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, John Thomasson helped the county achieve fiscal stability, plan for responsible growth, and develop and implement crucial infrastructure projects; he also gave generously of his time and talents by serving on various committees, boards, and organizations; and

WHEREAS, John Thomasson will be remembered as a leader who built consensus through his kind and compassionate nature and with his unique insights and approaches to Louisa County’s most complex challenges; and

WHEREAS, John Thomasson was dedicated to the academic development and well-being of young people and was a generous supporter of Louisa County High School and Saint Paul’s College; and

WHEREAS, both the Virginia Morticians’ Association and Saint Paul’s College have bestowed John E. Thomasson Scholarships upon an untold number of students, helping many pursue their academic dreams; and

WHEREAS, to recognize John Thomasson’s achievements and many contributions to the Saint Paul’s College community, the school established the John E. Thomasson Student Center in his honor; and

WHEREAS, on August 17, 2020, the Louisa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of a resolution recognizing John Thomasson’s service and his contributions to the Louisa County community; and

WHEREAS, John Thomasson will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife, Christine; his daughter, Lynne; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Dr. John E. Thomasson, a respected mortician and community leader who had a profound and lasting impact on innumerable lives in Louisa County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Dr. John E. Thomasson as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.