Bill Text: VA HJR195 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Betty Louise Jones Gilliam.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 4-1)
Status: (Passed) 2012-01-27 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ195ER) [HJR195 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2012-HJR195-Introduced.html
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12103239D Patrons-- Kilgore, Bell, Robert B., Johnson, Landes and O'Quinn; Senator: Carrico WHEREAS, Betty Louise Jones Gilliam, who played an instrumental role in the formation of Southwest Virginia's public library system and founded the art department at what is now the University of Virginia's College at Wise, died on December 20, 2011; and WHEREAS, a native of Pennsylvania who grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, Betty Gilliam received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University and began her career in art education as an elementary and junior high school teacher; and WHEREAS, while spending summers at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she was studying for a master's degree, Betty Gilliam met a young Army major from Wise, Virginia; they married, and after she completed her master's degree, they moved to Wise; and WHEREAS, a devoted mother and educator, Betty Gilliam realized that the children and adults of Wise would greatly benefit from the services that a public library could offer and became actively involved in community efforts to create a regional library; and WHEREAS, a persuasive speaker, Betty Gilliam shared her views with state and local government officials and celebrated with other local residents when the Lonesome Pine Regional Library was formed; and WHEREAS, the Lonesome Pine Regional Library continues to serve the residents of Wise, Dickenson, Lee, and Scott Counties and the City of Norton today, providing access to a wide array of materials and serving as a community gathering place; and WHEREAS, in 1960, Betty Gilliam joined the staff of the newly formed Clinch Valley College, now the University of Virginia's College at Wise, forming the College's art department and teaching studio art, art education, and art history for nearly three decades; and WHEREAS, committed to bringing art to Southwest Virginia, Betty Gilliam worked with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to bring its Art Mobile to the area, which gave residents the opportunity to view masterpieces from the Museum's fine collection; and WHEREAS, after retiring as professor emeritus, Betty Gilliam was honored to receive the University of Virginia's College at Wise's Alumni Association Meritorious Achievement Award for her groundbreaking contributions; and WHEREAS, a remarkable woman, Betty Gilliam possessed an inquisitive mind, love of learning, appreciation for creativity, and can-do spirit that led to the formation of lasting institutions that will continue to enrich the lives of residents of Southwestern Virginia for years to come; and WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband of nearly 50 years, Marvin, Betty Gilliam will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Richard, Susan, Marvin, Jr., Jane, and Anne, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and former colleagues and students; 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 outstanding educator and community supporter, Betty Louise Jones Gilliam; 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 Betty Louise Jones Gilliam as an expression of the General Assembly's abiding respect for her memory. |
