Bill Text: VA HJR1080 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of John Davis Williams.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-1)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-21 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ1080ER) [HJR1080 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-HJR1080-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, John Davis Williams, a respected educator and community leader in Richmond, died on February 3, 2019; and
WHEREAS, a native of Richmond, John D. Williams graduated from Armstrong High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia State University and a master's degree from Indiana University; and
WHEREAS, John D. Williams continued his education at Harvard Divinity School, where he participated in a pilot project on ways that African American churches can contribute to the vitality of their communities; and
WHEREAS, through his work as a teacher in Richmond Public Schools from 1952 to 1988, John D. Williams was a mentor, role model, and father figure to countless young people, including Arthur Ashe, Jr., and other extraordinary young people who went on to become leaders in their professions and communities; and
WHEREAS, guided by his deep and abiding faith, John D. Williams enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of New Bridge Baptist Church, where he held several leadership positions, and he volunteered his time and wise leadership with Meals on Wheels and programs to support youths and seniors; and
WHEREAS, John D. Williams will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sons, Jonathan and Lyn, and their families; his longtime companion, Joyce James, and her family; the mother of his children, Jean Grantham; his sister, Maserine; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of John Davis Williams; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Davis Williams as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
