Bill Text: VA SJR84 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia Senate Joint Resolution 84 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Helen Pope Shropshire.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ84ER) [SJR84 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2012-SJR84-Enrolled.html

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 84 Celebrating the life of Helen Pope Shropshire. Agreed to by the Senate, January 19, 2012 Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 27, 2012

WHEREAS, Helen Pope Shropshire, a beloved educator whose tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible imprint on the Virginia Beach community, died on May 12, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Southampton County where she was raised alongside her six siblings, Helen Shropshire took great pride in her rural roots throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, from an early age, Helen Shropshire took a deep interest in education, graduating from Southampton County Training High School and receiving a bachelor's degree from Virginia State College and a master's degree from Hampton University; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated and knowledgeable educator, Helen Shropshire spent 28 years teaching in Tidewater area public schools before moving into administration as a principal at Norview Elementary School in Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, throughout her distinguished career in education, Helen Shropshire strove to create a positive learning environment in which all students could excel in their endeavors, while serving as a mentor to fellow educators; and

WHEREAS, Helen Shropshire took an active role in community affairs through her affiliation with organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, William A. Hunton YMCA, Virginia One Church One Child, United Negro College Fund-Hampton Roads, Southeastern Virginia Job Training Administration, and National Epicureans, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Helen Shropshire spent countless hours raising funds for the United Negro College Fund, canvassing neighborhoods in voter registration drives, and recruiting volunteers and educators in an effort to promote adoption; and

WHEREAS, Helen Shropshire earned many awards and accolades for her distinguished community service, including recognition by the Bennett College Alumnae Tidewater Chapter as a Phenomenal Woman; and

WHEREAS, a founding member of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission, Helen Shropshire was honored posthumously for her commitment to human rights when the Commission created the Helen P. Shropshire Human Rights Youth Award; and

WHEREAS, a woman of deep faith, Helen Shropshire enjoyed fellowship, worship, and service at historic First Baptist Church, participating in many of the church's missions to the local community; and

WHEREAS, a vibrant and loving woman, Helen Shropshire will be deeply missed by her husband of 55 years, Robert; son, Lenbert; numerous other family members and friends; former students and colleagues; and those whose lives she touched; 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 an admired educator and humanitarian, Helen Pope Shropshire; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Helen Pope Shropshire as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.