WHEREAS, the Reverend Lee Andrew Pusha, Jr., the longtime pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and a highly admired community leader in Roanoke, died on May 15, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Lee Pusha grew up in Savannah, Georgia, and dedicated most of his life to the ministry, inspiring the members of his congregations through his compassion, empathy, wise spiritual counsel, and generosity; and

WHEREAS, Lee Pusha joined Ebenezer Baptist Church as pastor in 2009 and invigorated the church's mission to serve as a beacon of hope and fellowship by expanding programs to enhance the quality of life throughout Roanoke; and

WHEREAS, Lee Pusha provided his leadership and expertise to the Roanoke Adolescent Health Partnership, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Acts 2 Ministry, and Total Action against Poverty, working to address employment, education, financial independence, recidivism, race relations, and other vital issues affecting the community; and

WHEREAS, Lee Pusha uplifted and empowered countless individuals and strengthened the bonds between local churches, community organizations, neighborhoods, and families; and

WHEREAS, outside of his career in the ministry, Lee Pusha was a devoted family man who relished every opportunity to support his children and instill in them his sense of integrity, work ethic, and unwavering kindness; and

WHEREAS, Lee Pusha will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife, Beth; his children, Chloe and Taylor; 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 the Reverend Lee Andrew Pusha, Jr., a spiritual leader in Roanoke who touched countless lives through his devotion to community outreach; 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 Lee Andrew Pusha, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.