WHEREAS, Jeresa Bailey Ashemore, a vibrant, highly admired member of the Portsmouth community, celebrated her 100th birthday in 2018; and

WHEREAS, born in Portsmouth to Ardee and Etlar Collins Bailey on April 28, 1918, Jeresa Bailey grew up in the Lincolnville community and began work at a young age as a domestic for families in the Park View neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Jeresa Bailey married Franklin Ashemore on December 26, 1948; the couple has one son, Stan; two grandsons, Brandon and Arlin; and two great-grandchildren, Alli and Luke; and

WHEREAS, Jeresa Ashemore was later employed by Glazer's women's apparel store, joining the company at a time when segregation prevented her from entering parts of the store or touching certain items; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the Civil Rights movement and with the support of the store's African American customers, Jeresa Ashemore was promoted to sales clerk and earned a large, loyal following of both black and white customers; and

WHEREAS, after Glazer's closed its doors in February 1982, Jeresa Ashemore was asked to stay on for more than a year to help settle outstanding accounts; she was the store's last employee when she retired in May 1983; and

WHEREAS, for 88 years, Jeresa Ashemore has been a devout member of Zion Baptist Church, where she was baptized at age 12; she has been a member of the Board of Deaconesses since 1950 and served on the Centennial Planning Committee and on the U. G. Wilson Ladies Usher Board from 1974 to 2002, receiving numerous awards and accolades for her work on behalf of the congregation; and

WHEREAS, Jeresa Ashemore brings joy to everyone she meets through her candy ministry—handing out peppermints—and her personal motto, "Let My Little Light Shine"; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Jeresa Bailey Ashemore hereby be commended on the occasion of her 100th birthday in 2018; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jeresa Bailey Ashemore as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for her life well lived and contributions to the Portsmouth community.