2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25101133D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 268

Offered January 10, 2025

Prefiled January 10, 2025

Celebrating the life of Captain Jerome A. Sheppard, USAF, Ret.

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Patron—Locke

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WHEREAS, Captain Jerome A. Sheppard, USAF, Ret., an honorable veteran, devoted educator, and beloved member of the Hampton community, died on June 18, 2024; and

WHEREAS, born in Antigua in the West Indies, Jerome Sheppard arrived in the United States as a teenager, pursuing educational opportunities at the Aeronautics College in New York, now known as the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, and Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Sheppard served his country with honor and distinction for over 20 years as a communications engineer with the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from the military, Jerome Sheppard taught in both Newport News Public Schools and Hampton City Schools and at Hampton University's Department of Aviation as an adjunct faculty member; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Sheppard worked tirelessly to foster his students' academic, social, and emotional well-being, preparing them to succeed both in the classroom and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Sheppard found immense joy in the great outdoors, and his favorite pastimes included gardening, fishing, golfing, and working on his cars; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Sheppard was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he dedicated himself to the organization's principles of “manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind”; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Sheppard was guided throughout his life by his faith and enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church in Hampton for several decades, where he served as an acolyte and as church treasurer; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Sheppard will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Julyn; his children, Jeremy, Shelton, Julyn, and Judie, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; 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 Captain Jerome A. Sheppard, USAF, Ret., a cherished member of the Hampton community whose kindness, generosity, and unwavering support made a profound and lasting impact on countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Captain Jerome A. Sheppard, USAF, Ret., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.