Bill Text: VA SR14 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Jane R. Atkinson.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate (SR14ER) [SR14 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2010-SR14-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, Jane R. Atkinson of Hanover County, retired on January 1, 2010, after over 40 years of outstanding and loyal service to the Commonwealth of Virginia; and WHEREAS, Jane Marie Rice was born in her grandparents' home in Hanovertown, Virginia, on August 24, 1943, the daughter of Samuel W. and Elvena P. Rice and the sister of eleven younger siblings—Eddie, David, Mary, Sammy, Raymond, Charles, Tommy, Becky, Roger, Marvin, and Maggie; and WHEREAS, Jane Atkinson graduated from Lee-Davis High School in 1961, furthered her education at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College and what is now Virginia Commonwealth University, and worked part-time for state government and members of the governor's cabinet; and WHEREAS, striking out on her own, Jane Atkinson moved to Richmond and began working for the Department of Agriculture where she was employed for nearly 10 years; and WHEREAS, from 1971 to 1973, Jane Atkinson was an executive secretary for what was then the Governor's Council on Educational Television; and WHEREAS, an excellent administrative assistant, Jane Atkinson worked for the House of Delegates for seven General Assembly Sessions from 1974 to 1983, including serving as a secretary for Speaker A. L. Philpott; and WHEREAS, before returning to public service with the Senate Clerk's Office, Jane Atkinson worked from 1983 to 1990 in the private sector for A.H. Robins; and WHEREAS, Jane Atkinson joined the Senate of Virginia full-time as a secretary for the Senate Clerk's Office in 1990, where she was well-known for her love of history, her sense of humor, and her commitment to public service; and WHEREAS, by the 1992 General Assembly Session, Jane Atkinson had been promoted to confidential secretary and office manager; and WHEREAS, Jane Atkinson was an active member of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries serving on numerous committees and as cochair of the Roster Committee from 2005 to 2007; and WHEREAS, always a knowledgeable and professional ambassador for the Capitol, Jane Atkinson served as assistant to the Clerk of the Senate from 1993 until her retirement on January 1, 2010; and WHEREAS, Jane Atkinson's cheerful demeanor, as well as the roses and other fragrant flowers that she brought from her garden, warmly welcomed visitors to the Clerk's Office; and WHEREAS, Jane Atkinson has been a cherished friend and coworker and a valued member of the Senate family for two decades, and she is an exemplary role model for her successors; and WHEREAS, over the years, Jane Atkinson has been actively involved in her community and a tireless volunteer helping people in need, especially as a member of Enon United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville where she has served as a Sunday School teacher, church leader, historian, and librarian, as well as president of the Triple-M Class and Molly Wesley Circle; and WHEREAS, Jane Atkinson has been happily married to Walter K. "Sonny" Atkinson, Jr., since 1964, and the couple live in Mechanicsville and have three children, Stephen, Jonathan, and Malinda, and seven grandchildren; and WHEREAS, now that she is retired, Jane Atkinson will have time to enjoy her favorite pastimes, such as travelling with her husband, antiquing, gardening, reading, needlework, and spending time with her family; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Jane R. Atkinson be commended on her outstanding career and her loyal service to the Senate and the people of the Commonwealth; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jane R. Atkinson as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for her many achievements and best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement. |
