WHEREAS, Dr. Cynthia Lewis Gaines, an inspiring pastor and admired educator from New Kent County, died on March 17, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a native of New Kent County, Cynthia Gaines was one of the first African American students to attend New Kent High School and part of the first fully integrated graduating class of 1970; and

WHEREAS, Cynthia Gaines went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University and later earned a master's degree from The College of William and Mary, a doctorate from Ashwood University, and an associate degree from Abundant Life Bible College; and

WHEREAS, Cynthia Gaines began her distinguished career in education as a teacher at Lawson-Marriott Elementary School in King and Queen County and later served as a special education teacher and Gifted and Talented Arts Program Coordinator for New Kent County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Cynthia Gaines also taught in West Point Public Schools before moving to Richmond Public Schools, where she taught and then moved into administration as the assistant principal of William F. Fox Elementary School and principal of E. S. H. Greene Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, throughout her career, Dr. Gaines worked to create nurturing environments in which all students could grow and thrive; and

WHEREAS, from 1995 to 2007, Dr. Gaines served on the New Kent County School Board, bringing a wealth of experience in education and providing strong leadership as vice chair and chair; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Gaines also played an influential role in having New Kent Elementary School renamed George W. Watkins Elementary School in honor of the local pastor who served as principal of the African American New Kent Training School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Gaines was called to the ministry and preached her first sermon at her home church of Second Liberty Baptist Church; in 2005, she was ordained at New Covenant Community Church, where she lifted up the congregation with her compassionate heart and wise words; and

WHEREAS, a woman of great faith and vision, Dr. Gaines leaves behind a legacy of service to her family, community, and church; and

WHEREAS, Cynthia Gaines will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Frankie; children, TiAnna and Tiffany, 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 a respected Virginian, Dr. Cynthia Lewis Gaines; 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 Dr. Cynthia Lewis Gaines as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.