Bill Text: VA SJR77 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Leri Melissa Thomas.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-05 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ77ER) [SJR77 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR77-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Leri Melissa Thomas, an accomplished writer and educator, enterprising business consultant and advocate, and beloved member of the Madison County community, died on August 23, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Leri Thomas contributed deeply to community affairs through her work with MadisonMatters, which focuses on local government employees and budgeting, and through MadisonCares, which addresses the most pertinent issues and curative possibilities for K–12 education; and
WHEREAS, Leri Thomas also focused her energies on the future of her community through participation in economic development and policy and the development of a comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, Leri Thomas dealt with issues of state and national import, including property rights and election integrity research and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Leri Thomas was a lifelong learner whose educational pursuits included a bachelor's degree from what was then Mary Washington College and a master's degree and doctoral degree in the social foundations of education from the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Leri Thomas achieved success as a consultant in various fields over her career, helping several small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and private clients improve their operations and achieve their goals; and
WHEREAS, Leri Thomas demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of her community during her life, serving as chair of the Madison County Electoral Board, as treasurer of the Madison County Republican Committee, and as director of the Madison County Commonwealth Attorney's Office's Victim/Witness Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, Leri Thomas served as a mentor to students, educators, candidates for office, elected officials, and all within her sphere, providing wise and unobtrusive counseling and promoting the self-worth and esteem of others; and
WHEREAS, between 1993 and 2008, Leri Thomas lent her artistic and creative talents to numerous theater productions at Woodberry Forest School in her capacity as a scenic artist, designer, and instructor, helping countless children discover their love for the theater; and
WHEREAS, an expert communicator with a background in newspapers and advertising, Leri Thomas provided freelance publishing, graphic design, public relations, and research and writing services for the benefit of both individuals and corporations over the years; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her knowledge and understanding of the mountain regions that comprise a significant portion of the Commonwealth, Leri Thomas was appointed by Governor George Allen in 1994 to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation; and
WHEREAS, possessed with an unerring sense of fairness that was consistent with her doctoral dissertation on bullying, when asked what she wished to be remembered for, Leri Thomas responded "standing up for rights"; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by her loving partner of 30 years, James, Leri Thomas will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her daughter, Shyla, and her family; 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 Leri Melissa Thomas, a Renaissance woman of many gifts and interests who left an indelible impact on the Madison County community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Leri Melissa Thomas as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.
