WHEREAS, Georgia M. Shivers, a vibrant member of the Smithfield community who touched countless lives, died on July 5, 2019, at the age of 105; and
WHEREAS, born in Isle of Wight County on March 15, 1914, Georgia Shivers was a witness to the seminal events of the 20th century, from both world wars and the Great Depression to the Civil Rights Movement and the dawn of the Internet age; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Shivers cleaned houses and worked in various jobs before she joined Smithfield Packing, where she remained a loyal employee for 25 years; she was well known by friends and family for her delicious, home-cooked meals and deserts; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Shivers enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a lifelong member of Little Zion Baptist Church, from which she received the First Matriarch Award in 2019; and
WHEREAS, throughout her life, Georgia Shivers also received awards and accolades from the Town of Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, several Virginia state officials, and President Barack Obama; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Shivers was blessed to share her love and wisdom with 14 children, 58 grandchildren, 105 great-grandchildren, 175 great-great-grandchildren, 78 great-great-great-grandchildren, and four great-great-great-great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband, Leslie, and eight children, Georgia Shivers will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Leslie, Jr., Wilbert, Evangeline, Shirley, Patricia, and Margaret, and their families, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Georgia M. Shivers; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Georgia M. Shivers as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.