2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 87

Celebrating the life of Mimi Milner Elrod.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 12, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 16, 2026

WHEREAS, Mimi Milner Elrod, a champion of higher education who served the students of Washington and Lee University for many years and a trailblazing public servant who made history as the first female mayor of Lexington, died on March 25, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Mimi Elrod grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated from Oglethorpe University; she began her career as a junior high school teacher in Harlem, New York, then relocated to Iowa, where she earned a master's degree and a doctorate in early childhood development; and

WHEREAS, Mimi Elrod settled in Lexington in 1984 and served Washington and Lee University in a variety of roles, including as assistant director of admissions and director of the Summer Scholars Program; she also provided vital support to her husband, John, in his roles as dean, vice president for academic affairs, and president; and

WHEREAS, after her retirement from Washington and Lee University, Mimi Elrod pursued a career in government; she initially ran for office as a state legislator, then received an appointment to fill an unexpired term on the Lexington City Council in 2003; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her achievements and dedication to enhancing the quality of life of the people of Lexington, Mimi Elrod was elected to a full term on the Lexington City Council in 2006; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her historic tenure as mayor from 2008 to 2016, Mimi Elrod oversaw the economic revitalization of downtown Lexington, guided numerous enhancements to city infrastructure, and supported several initiatives related to public education, including the renovation of Harrington Waddell Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Mimi Elrod further served the Commonwealth as an appointee to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; she also volunteered her time and talents to support several nonprofit organizations and was an elder at Lexington Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband of 38 years, John, Mimi Elrod will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her sons, Adam and Joshua, 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 Mimi Milner Elrod, a pillar of the Lexington community who made numerous contributions to local life as a longtime employee of Washington and Lee University and a trusted public servant; and, be it

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