Bill Text: VA HJR14 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Honorable Lemuel Early DeBerry.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-01-20 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ14ER) [HJR14 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2012-HJR14-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Honorable Lemuel Early DeBerry, a respected attorney and retired judge who served on the City of Richmond's General District Court, Manchester Division, and as the chief judge of the 13th Judicial District's Traffic Court, died on October 27, 2011; and WHEREAS, a native of North Carolina, Lemuel DeBerry graduated from Leggett High School and attended Wake Forest College before his studies were interrupted by World War II; and WHEREAS, Lemuel DeBerry enlisted in the United States Marines and proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater as he fought alongside his fellow soldiers and participated in the Battle of Okinawa; and WHEREAS, Lemuel DeBerry completed his studies at the Virginia College of Law and Commerce before embarking on his distinguished legal career at the private firm of Moncure and Cabell; and WHEREAS, appointed in 1966 as a substitute judge to the City of Richmond's Police Court, Judge DeBerry began serving as a full-time judge to the City of Richmond's General District Court, Manchester Division, in 1972; and WHEREAS, while a judge for the General District Court, Judge DeBerry heard a variety of cases and presided with a strong commitment to fairness and the efficient and effective administration of justice; and WHEREAS, in 1977 Judge DeBerry returned to private practice until his appointment in 1985 to the 13th Judicial District's Traffic Court; he later became chief judge and ably served until his retirement in 1991; and WHEREAS, during retirement, Judge DeBerry continued to serve the residents of the Commonwealth and its judicial system with wisdom and compassion as a substitute judge; and WHEREAS, a man of tremendous integrity, Judge DeBerry leaves behind a legacy of service to the Commonwealth and the country; and WHEREAS, Lemuel DeBerry will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 56 years, Gladys; daughter, Diane, and her family; other family members and friends; and the citizens of the Commonwealth; 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 an admired jurist and esteemed citizen of the Commonwealth, the Honorable Lemuel Early DeBerry; 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 the Honorable Lemuel Early DeBerry as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |