2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100045D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 120

Offered February 10, 2026

Celebrating the life of Lucille Murray Brown.

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Patrons—McQuinn, Cousins and Gardner

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WHEREAS, Lucille Murray Brown, a highly admired member of the Richmond community who touched countless lives through her service as a teacher, school administrator, and volunteer, died on June 5, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown grew up in Richmond's Navy Hill neighborhood and attended Richmond Public Schools, graduating third in her class of more than 350 students from Armstrong High School; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown subsequently graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Union University, where she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, president of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and president of the Class of 1950; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown continued her education by earning a master's degree from Howard University and conducting further studies in educational administration and supervision at the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia State University; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown began her 41-year career in public education as a science teacher in Fairfax, then returned to her alma mater, Armstrong High School, where she mentored and inspired young people for many years; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown later served as a high school principal, then joined the staff of Richmond Public Schools as director of high school education, assistant superintendent of instruction, assistant superintendent of secondary education, and associate superintendent; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown ultimately became superintendent of Richmond Public Schools and provided outstanding leadership to the students, faculty, and staff members of the school district; among many achievements, she developed a partnership with Virginia Union University to engage with public school students of all ages and help them better understand the importance of higher education; and

WHEREAS, outside of her career, Lucille Brown was committed to community service, civic engagement, and social justice; she inspired others through her personal integrity, grace, tireless leadership, and commitment to excellence in all her endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown was a longtime member of the James River Valley (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, serving terms as chapter parliamentarian and chapter president, and a dedicated member and past president of the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she offered her wise insights to numerous committees and was a trusted mentor to other members of the chapter; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Virginia Union University and provided leadership to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Consolidated Bank and Trust Company, and what is now the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities; and

WHEREAS, among countless awards and accolades, Lucille Brown received the Distinguished Alumna of the Year award from Virginia Union University, the Sisterhood/Brotherhood Outstanding Service Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Urban League of Greater Richmond; in recognition of her legacy of contributions to public education in Richmond, Lucille M. Brown Middle School was named in her honor; and

WHEREAS, Lucille Brown began to cultivate her deep faith at a young age as a member of Fifth Street Baptist Church, where she served as superintendent of the Sunday school program; in later life, she enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Garland Avenue Baptist Church, of which she was a founding member; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her devoted husband, Theodore, Sr., Lucille Brown will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her son, Theodore, Jr., and his family, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Lucille Murray Brown, an esteemed educator, school administrator, and community leader in Richmond; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Lucille Murray Brown as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.