WHEREAS, Karen Harrison Jones, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and member of the Suffolk community, died on January 12, 2024; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hampton, Karen Jones graduated from Bethel High School in 1976 before attending James Madison University and earning a bachelor's degree with highest honors in gerontology and recreation from what is today Hampton University and a master's degree in agency guidance and counseling from Old Dominion University; and

WHEREAS, Karen Jones was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Procter & Gamble and Westwood Squibb Pharmaceuticals for ten years before taking on the most fulfilling role of her life, raising and homeschooling her daughter, Kaitlin; and

WHEREAS, for more than 34 years, Karen Jones co-owned and co-operated Bennett's Creek Pharmacy in Suffolk alongside her husband, the Honorable Chris Jones, helping to build it into a treasured staple of the community; and

WHEREAS, Karen Jones provided invaluable wisdom and guidance to her husband, Chris, throughout his political career as a former member of the House of Delegates and mayor and councilman of the City of Suffolk; and

WHEREAS, Karen Jones savored every opportunity to read, learn, volunteer, and travel, but was happiest spending quality time with family and friends, particularly at her home on the Chuckatuck Creek; and

WHEREAS, Karen Jones gave generously and selflessly of her time for the benefit of others and the community of Suffolk through various endeavors over the years; and

WHEREAS, guided by her great and abiding faith, Karen Jones was most recently a member of Celebration Christian Church in Suffolk, where she enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community; and

WHEREAS, Karen Jones will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving husband of 37 years, Chris; her daughter, Kaitlin; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Karen Harrison Jones, a cherished member of the Suffolk community whose grace, kindness, and generosity touched countless lives; 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 Karen Harrison Jones as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.