WHEREAS, Lois D. McClellan, a beloved member of the community in South Chesterfield who touched countless lives through her kindness and grace, died on May 28, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Lois McClellan began to cultivate a passion for lifelong learning at a young age and became the first member of her family to attend and graduate from high school; and

WHEREAS, Lois McClellan subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from Jackson State University in Mississippi and a master's degree from the University of Kentucky, where she was the only woman and the only Black student in her class; and

WHEREAS, Lois McClellan pursued doctoral studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, then spent most of her career in higher education, ultimately retiring as the director of educational services at Virginia State University; and

WHEREAS, outside of her career, Lois McClellan led a local Girl Scout troop and was an active member with the Petersburg Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the Chesterfield County Democratic Committee; she was also a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having held several leadership positions in the Petersburg Alumni Chapter; and

WHEREAS, Lois McClellan enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of St. Joseph Catholic Church and volunteered her time to serve people in need through Downtown Churches United; and

WHEREAS, Lois McClellan inspired others through her creativity, compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to service, values that she proudly instilled in her children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband of nearly 55 years, James, Lois McClellan will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her daughters, Dr. Jean E. McClellan-Holt, Julie D. McClellan, and the Honorable Jennifer L. McClellan, and their families, 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 Lois D. McClellan; 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 Lois D. McClellan as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.