SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 316 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled November 6, 2006 Celebrating the life of Levi Edgar Willis III. ---------- Patron-- Miller ----------

WHEREAS, Levi Edgar Willis III, a respected pastor and Norfolk native, died on March 3, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Levi Willis earned a bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University and was an active leader in numerous student organizations, serving as president of the Student Government Association, a member of the President's Executive Council, and the head of the Big Brother and Big Sister program and the Cavalry Pep Squad; and

WHEREAS, Levi Willis was the eldest son of Judith and Elder Levi E. Willis II; he grew up in the Norfolk community, attended public schools, and was a faithful member of the Good News Family Worship Center and active in the church's many missions; and

WHEREAS, Levi Willis was called to the ministry and ordained in 2002 by his beloved grandfather, Bishop L. E. Willis, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Levi Willis received a master of divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta in May 2005; and

WHEREAS, while attending divinity college, Levi Willis met the love of his life, Trelanie Johnson, and the couple married on December 10, 2005, and settled in Atlanta, where he was associate pastor at the Greater Community Church of God in Christ; and

WHEREAS, Levi Willis will be fondly remembered for his compassionate and inspirational ministry and greatly missed by his devoted wife Trelanie Johnson Willis of Atlanta, his loving parents of Virginia Beach, and his siblings and numerous other loving family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine Virginian, Levi Edgar Willis III; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Levi Edgar Willis III as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.