WHEREAS, Ellen Rosetta Noel, an esteemed educator and civil rights activist and a beloved member of the Fredericksburg community, died on February 8, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Rosetta Noel graduated from the historic Walker-Grant High School in Fredericksburg in 1956, where she was salutatorian; a class officer her sophomore, junior, and senior years; and active in the concert and marching bands, the drama club, and the Junior Red Cross; and

WHEREAS, Rosetta Noel earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University and later a master's degree from the University of Virginia; during her early college years, she was notably an original participant in demonstrations that led to the desegregation of restaurants in Fredericksburg; and

WHEREAS, Rosetta Noel carried her commitment to racial equality and the civil rights movement into her career, serving as one of the first African American teachers in the recently desegregated Fredericksburg City Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, over more than 30 years as an educator, Rosetta Noel contributed greatly to the success and well-being of her students, both in and out of the classroom, and was presented with myriad awards for her accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from teaching, Rosetta Noel became highly involved with Fredericksburg Regional Head Start, serving as the program's first parent involvement coordinator and single-handedly establishing the parent resource center, which was subsequently named the Ellen R. Noel Resource Center in her honor; and

WHEREAS, Rosetta Noel's steadfast dedication to helping others extended to her work with the Mayfield Civic Association, which she served as president, vice president, and treasurer over the years; and

WHEREAS, Rosetta Noel was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) in Fredericksburg, where she enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community and served in various leadership roles, including Vacation Bible School director for 40 years, director of religious education for 35 years, and chairperson of the Deaconess Ministry; and

WHEREAS, Rosetta Noel will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her niece and surrogate daughter, A'Dan, and her family, and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ellen Rosetta Noel, a cherished member of the Fredericksburg community whose unwavering kindness and generosity touched countless lives; 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 Ellen Rosetta Noel as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.