SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 26 Offered January 11, 2006 Prefiled December 28, 2005 Celebrating the life of Bernice Jackson Everson. ---------- Patron-- Locke ----------

WHEREAS, Bernice Jackson Everson, dedicated nurse, community supporter, and respected citizen of Hampton, died November 16, 2005; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hampton, Bernice Everson was born August 6, 1918, attended Hampton City Public Schools, graduated from Phenix High School, earned a degree in nursing from Hampton Institute in 1939, and later received a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Hampton University in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Bernice Everson worked as a registered nurse for more than 50 years, retiring from the Veterans Administration Hospital as the hospital supervising nurse; and

WHEREAS, Bernice Everson was an active member of the Veterans Administration Retirees Association and served as secretary to the Phenix Plus Organization; and

WHEREAS, Bernice Everson was a loyal member of the Hampton University Alumni Association; the Hampton University Nurses Alumni Association; and a charter member of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Tau Chapter, an organization dedicated to the community and the nursing profession; and

WHEREAS, the Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority honored Bernice Everson for her outstanding service in 2003; she was often the spokesperson for the sorority with civic and professional organizations; and

WHEREAS, Bernice Everson was an active member of the Hampton University Alumni Nursing Association and a nurse instructor for Hampton University; she participated in the school of nursing accreditation process; recruited new alumni; coordinated fundraising for scholarships; hosted community health awareness events; and mentored young professional nurses, nursing faculty, and nurse administrators; and

WHEREAS, Bernice Everson founded the parish nursing ministry at First Baptist Church in Hampton, where she was a devoted member for over 50 years, and worked with the practical nursing program and other health services for the community at Shalom Baptist Church in Newport News; and

WHEREAS, Bernice Everson will be remembered for her infectious enthusiasm and compassionate spirit and sorely missed by her family, her numerous friends and admirers, and the congregation of First Baptist Church; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine Virginian, Bernice Jackson Everson; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bernice Jackson Everson as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.