WHEREAS, Diane Elaine Harris Marsh, DDS, a trailblazing leader for women and African Americans in the dentistry profession and a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother in Richmond, died on September 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Virginia Union University and Howard University, Diane Marsh broke down barriers and became one of the first African American women to practice dentistry in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Diane Marsh opened a dental office in Church Hill, where her father had previously served as a physician for many years; through her practice she built a strong sense of community in the neighborhood, and she mentored and inspired countless young people as an instructor at the Medical College of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, with her compassionate insights and devoted support, Diane Marsh helped her husband, the Honorable Henry L. Marsh III, achieve success on behalf of the Richmond community and the Commonwealth as a civil rights advocate and a longtime public servant; and

WHEREAS, outside of her professional career and commitment to servant leadership, Diane Marsh was a gifted artist who expressed her grace and elegance as a sculptor, pianist, and photographer; and

WHEREAS, Diane Marsh will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of 58 years, Henry; her children, Nadine, Sonya, and Dwayne, 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 Diane Elaine Harris Marsh, DDS, a highly admired member of the Richmond community; 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 Diane Elaine Harris Marsh, DDS, as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.