Bill Text: VA HR558 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Roxane Gatling Gilmore.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 21-6)
Status: (Passed) 2025-02-03 - Agreed to by House [HR558 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-HR558-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25100199D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 558
Offered January 29, 2025
Celebrating the life of Roxane Gatling Gilmore.
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Patrons—Green, Arnold, Bulova, Cherry, Cordoza, Earley, Ennis, Fowler, Henson, Higgins, Lovejoy, McQuinn, Morefield, Oates, Obenshain, Orrock, Owen, Phillips, Rasoul, Walker, Ware and Wright
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WHEREAS, Roxane Gatling Gilmore, a historian who supported her fellow educators and guided historic preservation on Capitol Square during her tenure as first lady of Virginia from 1998 to 2002, died on August 7, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Roxane Gilmore grew up in Suffolk, where she graduated from Suffolk High School; she continued her education at the University of Virginia, earning a bachelor's degree in classics and anthropology and a master's degree in ancient history; and
WHEREAS, Roxane Gilmore pursued a career as an educator and taught at public schools in Henrico County and Chesterfield County; she also served for many years as an assistant professor at Randolph Macon College, teaching a wide range of subjects, including Latin, Roman history, Greek history, epic poetry, and women in ancient literature; and
WHEREAS, after her husband, Jim, was elected as the 68th governor of Virginia, Roxane Gilmore led efforts to restore and revitalize the Executive Mansion, modernizing the home while protecting its historic character and unique role in state government; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure as first lady, Roxane Gilmore also participated in archaeological work at Jamestown and other historical sites in the Commonwealth, and she created the Commonwealth of Knowledge website as a resource for other educators; and
WHEREAS, Roxane Gilmore represented the Commonwealth at the regional, national, and international levels, inspiring others through her passion for education and commitment to service; and
WHEREAS, outside of her career, Roxane Gilmore volunteered her leadership and expertise to charitable organizations such as Conexus for Children's Vision, helping to provide eye examinations and corrective eyewear for children in public schools; and
WHEREAS, Roxane Gilmore will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of 47 years, Jim; her sons, Jay and Ashton, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Roxane Gatling Gilmore, a devoted educator and former first lady of Virginia; 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 Roxane Gatling Gilmore as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.
