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2021 SPECIAL SESSION I

21103906D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 736
Offered February 2, 2021
Celebrating the life of Josephine Johnson Bigger.
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Patrons-- McQuinn, Adams, D.M., Carr, Convirs-Fowler, Delaney, Heretick, Hope, Rasoul, Reid, Scott, Simonds and Ware; Senator: Spruill
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WHEREAS, Josephine Johnson Bigger, an active and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on January 15, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Josephine Bigger was raised in Henrico County and Washington, D.C., and earned her general education diploma from Richmond Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her deep and abiding faith, Josephine Bigger enjoyed worship and fellowship with several congregations over the years; and

WHEREAS, after settling in the Antioch neighborhood of Henrico County, Josephine Bigger worked at Antioch Baptist Church, leading the junior choir and teaching Bible study; and

WHEREAS, Josephine Bigger later joined St. James Baptist Church in Henrico County, where she was a devoted member for more than 75 years and held various leadership positions, including serving in the senior choir and hospitality committee and as the superintendent of Sunday school; and

WHEREAS, Josephine Bigger had the notable distinction of working for the Honorable Oliver Hill and the Honorable Henry L. Marsh III in the 1950s, facilitating the efforts of these accomplished civil rights activists and leaders during a pivotal time in the Commonwealth’s history; and

WHEREAS, Josephine Bigger worked tirelessly throughout her life, including time in retail at historic and cherished establishments such as Thalhimers, L’Pell’s, and Montaldo’s and service with Richmond Public Schools leading up to her retirement; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas, Josephine Bigger will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her devoted daughter, Margaret Ann, and numerous other family members and friends; 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 Josephine Johnson Bigger, whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; 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 Josephine Johnson Bigger as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.