WHEREAS, Francine Pannell Nash, an accomplished organizer with the Communications Workers of America and a beloved mother, grandmother, and member of the Roanoke community, died on February 3, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Francine Nash graduated from the historic Lucy Addison High School in Roanoke in 1967 and at the age of 19 joined the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, later Bell Atlantic, ultimately Verizon Communications, working with exceptional dedication and professionalism for 30 years until her retirement in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Francine Nash was a devoted member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2204 for her entire career, striving tirelessly and fearlessly for the well-being of her fellow employees and union members; and

WHEREAS, with kindness and determination, Francine Nash rose through the ranks of the CWA to eventually make history as the first African American woman to serve as the Roanoke region's vice president; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known by many as "Gan-Gan," Francine Nash found great joy in her later years in caring for her grandchildren, Phazhon and Sanii, and in spending quality time with her daughter, Tanisha; and

WHEREAS, Francine Nash was a proud Addisonian who gave generously of her time to her high school alumni class, serving as secretary for many years, as well as host to many of the reunion planning meetings; and

WHEREAS, guided by her faith, Francine Nash enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community at Morning Star Baptist Church in Roanoke, where she served on the senior choir for several years; and

WHEREAS, Francine Nash will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving daughter, Tanisha, and her family and by 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 Francine Pannell Nash, a cherished member of the Roanoke community who was a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew her; 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 Francine Pannell Nash as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.