WHEREAS, Yohance Nebuwa McClain, born on September 18, 1973, in Florence, South Carolina, transitioned to eternal life while singing praises to God in the choir of First Baptist Church of South Richmond, his church home, on Sunday, February 2, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Yohance Nebuwa McClain, known affectionately as "Hance," was reared in a loving and extended family, who believed and applied the Scripture "bring up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it," and instilled in him the value of education; and

WHEREAS, Yohance Nebuwa McClain attended the Florence School District One public schools, graduated from Wilson High School in 1992, where he was an active and dedicated drummer for the Marching Tiger Pride, and earned the bachelor of science degree in English from Claflin University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, after moving to Richmond, he began his employment with the Richmond City Public Schools and quickly found a church home at First Baptist Church of South Richmond, where he could continue to practice his faith and exercise his spiritual gifts as he did when a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Florence, South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Yohance Nebuwa McClain's faith was his strength and he believed that God always was the answer to life's problems; he lived his brief life with joy in his heart and a song on his lips every day; as a member of the church choir and often a featured soloist, he sang from the very depths of his soul; and

WHEREAS, Yohance Nebuwa McClain, whose middle name means "warrior," was a "prayer warrior," who frequently was asked to pray at family occasions because he prayed fervently and powerfully to share God's love, grace, and mercy; and

WHEREAS, although he expressed strong opinions and was passionate about the things he loved, Yohance Nebuwa McClain was affectionate and kind, had a servant's heart and the ability to unify people, adored children and spent time with them, valued hosting and extending the hospitality of his home to family and friends while he grilled for them, was an avid Redskins fan, and loved to tell jokes that filled the room with his laughter, wit, and humor; and

WHEREAS, Yohance Nebuwa McClain will truly be missed by his family, friends, and church family, and everyone whose lives he touched will experience a great void in their hearts; however, they are encouraged to draw comfort and solace from precious memories of him and in knowing that he used his gifts to the glory of God; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Yohance Nebuwa McClain; 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 Yohance Nebuwa McClain as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.