WHEREAS, Debra Michelle Thompson Edwards of Meadowview, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, and mother and a dedicated educator who touched countless young lives, died on August 24, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Richlands, Michelle Edwards graduated from Grundy Senior High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Radford University; and

WHEREAS, Michelle Edwards answered her calling to become an educator and taught at Holston High School for 11 years; she also served members of the community through the Homebound Education Program and GED courses; and

WHEREAS, serving as the chair of the History Department and the coach of the cheerleading squad, Michelle Edwards was a respected leader who helped prepare students for higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship; and

WHEREAS, Michelle Edwards was a former member of Tookland Pentecostal Church in Grundy and enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community at Woodland Hills Christian Church in Abingdon; and

WHEREAS, Michelle Edwards will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Toby; children, Madeline and Mason; parents, Eddie and Mary; 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 Debra Michelle Thompson Edwards, a devoted educator and active member of the Meadowview 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 Debra Michelle Thompson Edwards as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.