WHEREAS, Athalia Perthenia Turner Cherry Robinson of Suffolk, a devoted mother, teacher, mentor, woman of faith, and a dear friend, died on February 15, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Athalia Robinson was born in Nansemond County and was the 11th child in her family; she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School; and

WHEREAS, in an era when few women attended college, Athalia Robinson enrolled in Elizabeth City State Teachers College, now known as Elizabeth City State University, and earned an undergraduate degree; she later studied at Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University; and

WHEREAS, Athalia Robinson enjoyed a successful career in education; in 1948, she began teaching at Nansemond County Training School, and she also taught at East Suffolk School for many years; and

WHEREAS, later in her career, Athalia Robinson taught at Driver Elementary School and Elephant's Fork Elementary School, from which she retired; she is remembered as a mentor, a firm but loving teacher, and a faithful friend; and

WHEREAS, Athalia Robinson was a lifelong member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church, where she enjoyed fellowship and worship; she was church clerk for many years and received the Founder's Day award in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Athalia Robinson will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her daughter, Sharon, and her family, and by many other family members, friends, and former students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Athalia Perthenia Turner Cherry Robinson of Suffolk, a devoted mother, teacher, mentor, woman of faith, and a dear friend; 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 Athalia Perthenia Turner Cherry Robinson as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.