Bill Text: VA SJR142 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. John Henry Foster.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ142ER) [SJR142 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2010-SJR142-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. John Henry Foster, an admired and dedicated pastor and public servant from Norfolk, died on August 17, 2009; and WHEREAS, a native of Louisburg, North Carolina, John Foster grew up in a loving family and proudly served his country in the United States Army in the early 1950s; and WHEREAS, a firm believer in the value of education, John Foster worked diligently to earn a bachelor's and master's degree from Shaw University and a doctor of ministry degree from Howard University; later in life he was awarded honorary doctorates from Virginia Seminary and College and Shaw University Divinity School; and WHEREAS, Dr. Foster served as pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk for 40 years until his retirement in 2007 and was involved in numerous local, state, and national religious communities; and WHEREAS, an exemplary administrator and compassionate pastor, he ably led the church and directed its growth and development and service to the community; one such project was the creation of a continuing education program to help pregnant teenagers continue their schooling; and WHEREAS, Dr. Foster served on the Norfolk City School Board from 1977 until his election in 1984 to the Norfolk City Council, where he served for 10 years; in both positions, he played a pioneering role in promoting racial reconciliation, consensus, and cooperation; and WHEREAS, Dr. Foster served on the Shaw University board of trustees for more than 30 years, on the Mason Scholars selection committee for George Mason University, and on the advisory committees for the Schools of Social Work and Education at Norfolk State University; and WHEREAS, Dr. Foster was actively involved in many community service activities throughout his life and received many awards for his outstanding service and leadership, including the prestigious First Citizen Distinguished Service Award from the Cosmopolitan Club of Norfolk; and WHEREAS, a bedrock of Shiloh Baptist Church and the Norfolk community, Dr. Foster worked humbly and graciously throughout his life on behalf of others and leaves behind a sterling legacy of service for others to emulate; and WHEREAS, John Foster will be sorely missed by his wife of 54 years, Salona Eggleston Foster; their sons, Laguna Oche Foster and John Shevin Foster, and their families; and the congregation of Shiloh Baptist Church and the citizens of Norfolk; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly note with sadness the passing of an outstanding pastor and dedicated public servant, the Reverend Dr. John Henry Foster; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Reverend Dr. John Henry Foster as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |
