SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 154 Offered January 18, 2006 Celebrating the life of Jerome Junius Booker, Sr. ---------- Patron-- Ruff ----------

WHEREAS, Jerome Junius Booker, Sr., a former member of the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors, died on October 24, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Booker served his country for 24 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1978 as a Chief Master Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors representing the Fork Union District for 16 years, Jerome Booker was the first African American elected to the board in Fluvanna County; and

WHEREAS, committed to improving the quality of life of his neighbors, Jerome Booker was instrumental in establishing the county’s fiscal stability; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Booker fought for the county to retain and renovate two former school facilities, which now house a public library, a performing arts center, parks and recreation facilities, and county offices; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Booker worked diligently to get a public water system extended to predominantly African-American neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, Jerome Booker proudly served on the Monticello Area Community Action Agency board of directors; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Booker served the Democratic Party at all levels, including as a co-chair of the local committee, a member of the Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee, and a member of the State Central Committee; he was the recipient of the Brown-Gusler Award in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Jerome Booker contributed to his community in many capacities, such as a Boy Scout leader, a Little League coach, a NAACP member, and an advocate for citizens in need; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with sadness the loss of an exemplary community steward and outstanding Virginian, Jerome Junius Booker, Sr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Jerome Junius Booker, Sr. as an expression of the respect in which his memory is held by the members of the General Assembly.