Bill Text: VA HR4 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled


Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Honorable Constance Kelly-Rice.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)

Status: (Passed) 2020-01-13 - Bill text as passed House (HR4ER) [HR4 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2020-HR4-Enrolled.html

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4
Celebrating the life of the Honorable Constance Kelly-Rice.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 13, 2020

 

WHEREAS, the Honorable Constance Kelly-Rice, dedicated educator, trailblazer, and adored member of the Brunswick community, died on November 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in Brunswick, Constance "Sis" Kelly-Rice devoted her life to her community, educating its youth and promoting local businesses that would improve the lives of many; and

WHEREAS, education was a lifelong pursuit for Constance Kelly-Rice; she earned a bachelor's degree from Saint Paul's College in 1972, an elementary education certification from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973, and a master's degree from George Washington University in 1987; in 2015, she became a doctoral candidate at Nova Southeastern University; and

WHEREAS, Constance Kelly-Rice worked hard to ensure the children of Brunswick had a quality education; teaching at Brunswick County Public Schools for 15 years, training countless aspiring teachers through the student-teacher program at Saint Paul's College, mentoring many young minds through her tutoring company, Center of Knack Resources, and working as director of the Upward Bound program at Saint Paul's College, a college preparatory program for first-generation students; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, Constance Kelly-Rice made history by becoming the first African American and the first woman to be the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Brunswick, a position she held until 1991 and which earned her the lifetime title of "the Honorable" from Governor Gerald L. Baliles; and

WHEREAS, understanding the importance of economic growth to the well-being of her community, Constance Kelly-Rice played a key role in facilitating businesses in Brunswick, including a McDonald's franchise in 1990 and the Lake Gaston Water Supply Pipeline; and

WHEREAS, many civic organizations owe Constance Kelly-Rice a debt of gratitude for her service and leadership, including the Virginia Court Clerks Association, Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, Jack and Jill of America, and the Southside Senior Citizens Center; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her abiding faith, Constance Kelly-Rice was baptized at Poplar Mount Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, where she served in many leadership positions and enjoyed fellowship and worship with her community over the years; and

WHEREAS, Constance Kelly-Rice will be dearly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of 50 years, Norman, Sr.; her children, Rene and Norman, Jr., and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable Constance Kelly-Rice, an invaluable member of the Brunswick community who served others her entire life; 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 Constance Kelly-Rice as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.

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