2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 108

Celebrating the life of Marvin Sherlock Holmes, Sr.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2026

WHEREAS, Marvin Sherlock Holmes, Sr., a trailblazing public servant who enhanced the quality of life in Surry County as a 20-year member and the first Black chair of the Surry County Board of Supervisors, as well as a leader in many other civic and service organizations, died on February 1, 2026; and

WHEREAS, a native of Surry County, Marvin “Sherlock” Holmes was the first of eight children born to the late Isaac Holmes and Fannie Holmes Coleman and relished his role as an older brother, serving as a trusted mentor for his siblings; and

WHEREAS, from a young age, Sherlock Holmes was inspired by his father's participation in the civil rights movement, particularly his efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Black students in Surry County; and

WHEREAS, Sherlock Holmes began his education in a one-room schoolhouse, then attended the former L.P. Jackson School in Dendron, from which he graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1957; he subsequently attended what is now Norfolk State University, then transferred to what is now Virginia State University; and

WHEREAS, Sherlock Holmes worked at the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation in Petersburg, rising quickly through the ranks to become one of the factory's first Black supervisors; he later worked as an insurance agent with Sentry Insurance, then established and served as president and chief executive officer of Laurel Transit, a medical transportation company; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service, Sherlock Holmes ran for and was elected to the Surry County Board of Supervisors in 1971; upon taking office, he and his fellow supervisors represented one of only three local government boards in the nation with a majority of Black members; and

WHEREAS, Sherlock Holmes was elected as chair of the Surry County Board of Supervisors on his first day in office, and he worked diligently to enhance the quality of life in the community for the next 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Sherlock Holmes subsequently served as a member of the Surry County School Board and oversaw the construction of L.P. Jackson Middle School; he ensured that local students and teachers had the support they needed to thrive; and

WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Sherlock Holmes in his youth enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Rose of Sharon Apostolic Church and later joined Calvary Temple Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Lily of the Valley Deliverance Center; he held numerous leadership roles in his church communities and was ordained as a minister to better guide and serve others; and

WHEREAS, Sherlock Holmes will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife of 65 years, Doris; his children, Marvin, Jr., Lolita, and Shirlonda, 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 Marvin Sherlock Holmes, Sr., a respected public servant and community leader in Surry County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Marvin Sherlock Holmes, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.