WHEREAS, the Reverend Blanche Whitehurst McAllister, a devout and beloved member of the Norfolk community, died on March 16, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Norfolk, Blanche McAllister attended Norfolk Public Schools and pursued a successful 20-year career with what was then known as Tidewater Regional Transit; and

WHEREAS, a loyal member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, Blanche McAllister answered her calling and became an associate minister; and

WHEREAS, in addition to serving as a minister for more than 30 years, Reverend McAllister offered her time and leadership to several auxiliaries at the church, including as a member of the Women's Fellowship Choir and a Sunday school teacher; and

WHEREAS, Reverend McAllister worked to enhance the community as a past worthy matron of the Margaret Francis Chapter #101 of the Order of the Eastern Star, a past grand worthy matron of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, and past royal grand matron and treasurer of the Ladies of the Circle of Perfection Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Reverend McAllister will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Aaron; daughter, Diane, and her family; 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 the Reverend Blanche Whitehurst McAllister, a beloved member of the Norfolk community; 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 the Reverend Blanche Whitehurst McAllister as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.