Bill Text: VA SJR366 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Fannie Wilkinson Fitzgerald.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-17 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ366ER) [SJR366 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-SJR366-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Fannie Wilkinson Fitzgerald, a passionate educator who bravely led efforts to integrate public schools in Prince William County in the 1960s, died on April 7, 2016; and
WHEREAS, a native of Amelia County, Fannie Fitzgerald graduated from Russell Grove High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University; she received a full scholarship to attend Columbia University, where she earned a master's degree in special education; and
WHEREAS, Fannie Fitzgerald fulfilled her lifelong dream to become a teacher in 1952 when she accepted a position at a two-room schoolhouse in Amelia County; she later taught at schools for African American children in Prince William County and Manassas; and
WHEREAS, in 1964, Fannie Fitzgerald and four other teachers were selected to begin the integration of Prince William County Public Schools; she transferred to the previously all-white Fred Lynn Elementary and Middle School, where her courage and perseverance helped to ensure the successful integration of all local public schools by 1965; and
WHEREAS, Fannie Fitzgerald continued to work in Prince William County Public Schools, including as a fourth-grade teacher and learning disabilities specialist at Dale City Elementary School from 1971 to 1988, when she retired after 35 years of service; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her inspirational contributions to the youth of Prince William County, Fannie W. Fitzgerald Elementary School in Woodbridge was named in her honor; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Rodger, Fannie Fitzgerald will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her daughters, Benita and Kim, and their families and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Fannie Wilkinson Fitzgerald, a highly admired pioneer in public education; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Fannie Wilkinson Fitzgerald as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.
