Bill Text: VA SJR224 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Mary Speake Humelsine.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-10 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ224ER) [SJR224 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-SJR224-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Mary Speake Humelsine, who became known as the First Lady of Williamsburg for her lifetime of contributions to Colonial Williamsburg and the community, died on January 30, 2018; and
WHEREAS, a native of Luray, Mary Humelsine graduated from Luray High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority; and
WHEREAS, Mary Humelsine worked as an educator and a high school girls' basketball coach in Mount Rainier, Maryland, giving countless students the tools and motivation to achieve success in higher education and careers; and
WHEREAS, Mary Humelsine married her husband, Carlisle, in 1941; after World War II, the couple lived in Chevy Chase, then settled in Williamsburg, where he served as executive vice president, president, and board chair of Colonial Williamsburg; and
WHEREAS, a model of charm, grace, and Virginia hospitality, Mary Humelsine welcomed hundreds of national and international dignitaries and leaders, including several United States Presidents, Elizabeth II of England, and many other heads of state during official visits to Colonial Williamsburg; she treated every guest to her home with the same prestige she afforded to celebrities and world leaders; and
WHEREAS, Mary Humelsine supported the community as a leader in the Williamsburg Community Foundation, helping the organization grow in membership and philanthropic capability, and was co-chair of the committee that planned the city's 300th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Mary Humelsine was also a member of the Williamsburg Garden Club and a charter member of the Raleigh Tavern Society, and she enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Bruton Parish Church; and
WHEREAS, Mary Humelsine was a passionate sports fan and had been a supporter of the Washington Redskins from the early years of the franchise; she was also an avid fan of the Maryland Terrapins and the William and Mary Tribe, earning The College of William and Mary's Prentis Award for her contributions to the university; and
WHEREAS, a true citizen of the world, Mary Humelsine was an adventurous traveler who had visited all seven continents, including a trip to Antarctica at the age of 80, and she hosted several foreign exchange students, with whom she remained in contact throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband, Carlisle, Mary Humelsine will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her daughters, Mary and Barbara, and their families, and 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 Mary Speake Humelsine, a pillar of the Williamsburg community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Mary Speake Humelsine as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.
