Bill Text: VA HJR77 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Mary Frances Coles.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-01-20 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ77ER) [HJR77 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2012-HJR77-Enrolled.html

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 77 Celebrating the life of Mary Frances Coles.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 13, 2012 Agreed to by the Senate, January 19, 2012

WHEREAS, Mary Frances Coles, a longtime resident of Roanoke, faithful member of First Baptist Church (Gainsboro), and matriarch of a large and loving family, died on July 18, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Rockbridge County, Mary Frances Coles was the daughter of the late Edward and Ophelia Toles Nicholas; and

WHEREAS, as a young woman, Mary Frances Coles became a member of the Lily of the Valley Court No. 146 Heroines of Jericho, maintaining her membership for seven decades; and

WHEREAS, Mary Frances Coles met and married her late husband, Thomas T. Coles, Sr., and together they took great delight in raising their six children, Herbert, Mary, Phyllis, Jenetta, Missy, and the late Thomas; and

WHEREAS, known for her strong faith, Mary Frances Coles was a member of First Baptist Church, located in the historic Gainsboro neighborhood of Roanoke, and took an active role in the life of the church and community through her involvement in numerous ministries; and

WHEREAS, Mary Frances Coles enjoyed fellowship and service as a member of the Bible Band ministry and Willing Workers ministry while she raised her voice in praise as a member of the Robinson Memorial Chorus, women's day choir, senior choir, and Valley Baptist Choir; and

WHEREAS, during her long and productive life, Mary Frances Coles witnessed many changes in her community, nation, and the world while staying true to her principles and faith; and

WHEREAS, Mary Frances Coles will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her surviving children and their families 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 a beloved citizen of Roanoke, Mary Frances Coles; 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 Mary Frances Coles as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.