2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107225D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 278

Offered March 9, 2026

Celebrating the life of Barbara Griffis Decatur.

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Patron—Durant

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WHEREAS, Barbara Griffis Decatur, an esteemed public servant, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and beloved member of the Fredericksburg and Stafford County communities, died on December 19, 2025; and

WHEREAS, a native of Stafford County, Barbara Decatur graduated from Stafford High School in 1965 and briefly explored a career in retail before serving with Stafford County Public Schools, where she worked tirelessly for the benefit of the division's students; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Decatur joined the office of the clerk of the Circuit Court of Stafford County in 1973 as an administrative assistant and dedicated herself for the next four decades to the effective operation of the court system; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to her leadership, professionalism, and expertise, Barbara Decatur was appointed clerk of the Circuit Court of Stafford County in 2002 and was then elected to the position two years later; and

WHEREAS, during her tenure as clerk of the Circuit Court of Stafford County, Barbara Decatur oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation for the office brought on by technological advances and other developments; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her exemplary service, Barbara Decatur received a number of commendations and awards over the years from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and the Virginia Court Clerks Association; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her faith, Barbara Decatur was an active member of Calvary Southern Methodist Church in Stafford County, where she served as treasurer and Sunday school superintendent; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Russell, Barbara Decatur will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her children, Stewart and Connie, 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 Barbara Griffis Decatur, a treasured member of the Fredericksburg and Stafford County communities 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 Barbara Griffis Decatur as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.