2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101115D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 43

Offered January 19, 2026

Celebrating the life of Ruth Goode Mouton.

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Patron—Locke

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WHEREAS, Ruth Goode Mouton, an esteemed educator, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and cherished member of the Virginia Peninsula community, died on April 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from the former George Washington Carver High School in Chesterfield, Ruth Mouton earned a bachelor's degree in biology from what is today Virginia State University in 1957 and a master's degree in earth science; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Mouton began her teaching career in 1957 as a general science educator at the former Y.H. Thomas Junior High School in Hampton and was quickly promoted to science department chair; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Mouton went on to serve as an educator at C. Alton Lindsay Junior High School and Hampton High School, as well as a department chair and science curriculum consultant at both the local and state levels; and

WHEREAS, over more than three decades as an educator, Ruth Mouton worked tirelessly to foster her students' academic readiness and social and emotional well-being, contributing to the success of innumerable young people; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Mouton's efforts as an educator earned her a bounty of accolades and led to her selection for prestigious educational equity programs with the College Board; and

WHEREAS, outside the classroom, Ruth Mouton gave generously of her time for the benefit of her community as a Life Member of the Hampton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and with The Links, Inc., The Society, Inc., the NAACP, and several other retired teacher associations and local education and mentoring initiatives; and

WHEREAS, an avid traveler and exceptional chef and hostess, Ruth Mouton was happiest of all when spending quality time with her family and loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Mouton began her spiritual journey at First Baptist Church Centralia in Richmond and enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hampton for more than 50 years, where she supported various ministries and outreach efforts; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Wilford, Ruth Mouton will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving children, Monique, Yvette, and Wilford, Jr., and their families; and by 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 Ruth Goode Mouton, a treasured member of the Hampton community whose light brightened 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 Ruth Goode Mouton as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.