2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105374D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 50

Offered January 20, 2026

Celebrating the life of Virginia Ellen Thomas Fizer.

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Patron—Hackworth

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WHEREAS, Virginia Ellen Thomas Fizer, a dedicated educator, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and cherished member of the Pulaski County community, died on August 17, 2025; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Fizer briefly attended Sweetbriar College before ultimately graduating from Roanoke College; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Fizer embarked upon her career as an educator in Roanoke and later settled in Pulaski County, where she would raise her family and live for the next 53 years; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Fizer taught a variety of subjects in Pulaski County, including French, Spanish, English, and mathematics, and worked tirelessly to help her students succeed both in and out of the classroom; and

WHEREAS, a gifted linguist, Virginia Fizer considered helping foreign students who had arrived in Pulaski County to learn English, including those with whom she shared no common language, among her greatest professional accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Fizer excelled in various sports in her younger years and later enjoyed hobbies such as quilting, knitting, and basketmaking, yet she was happiest of all when spending quality time with her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her husband, Richard, Virginia Fizer will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her son, Graham, and his family; 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 Virginia Ellen Thomas Fizer, a treasured member of the Pulaski County community whose kindness, generosity, and joie de vivre inspired all who knew her; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Virginia Ellen Thomas Fizer as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.