Bill Text: VA SJR185 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Reverend Eddie Lee Perry, Sr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-07 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ185ER) [SJR185 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-SJR185-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Reverend Eddie Lee Perry, Sr., a beloved husband and father, dedicated public servant, and former pastor at St. John Baptist Church in Charles City, died on September 14, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, Reverend Perry was a 21-year veteran of the United States Army who retired with the rank of major in 1979; while in the service, he earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University; and
WHEREAS, after leaving the military, Reverend Perry worked with the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority; in 1981, he moved to the Virginia Department of Social Services, where he served as director of human resources management until his retirement in 1994; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the demands of his full-time career as a state employee, Reverend Perry answered the call to minister to others as a preacher; after earning his divinity degree from Virginia Union University, he became pastor at St. John Baptist Church in Charles City in 1985; and
WHEREAS, during his 15 years as the pastor of the St. John Baptist Church, Reverend Perry made a number of significant improvements, including strengthening the Board of Deacons, adding new worship services, and affiliating the church with the American Baptist Churches of the South; and
WHEREAS, known for his intelligence and compassion, Reverend Perry also provided valuable service to the community as a youth mentor, Girl Scout troop founder, and president of the Charles City Branch of the NAACP; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Perry will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 56 years, Annie; children, Eddie Jr., Patricia, Monica, and Curtis, and their families; and many other family members, friends, and Charles City residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Reverend Eddie Lee Perry, Sr., a respected spiritual and community leader in Charles City; 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 Eddie Lee Perry, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
