HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 482 Offered February 26, 2008 Celebrating the life of Beulah Boothe Owens. ---------- Patron-- Nutter ----------

WHEREAS, Beulah Boothe Owens, age 98, an admired and dedicated resident of Snowville, died on January 30, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Beulah Owens was born on March 4, 1909, in Pulaski County to loving parents, Monte Zuma and Mary Nora Boothe; and

WHEREAS, Beulah Owens spent the past 71 years as the owner and operator of the A.J. Owens store, an "old country store" that she opened with her late husband, Avery James Owens, and that quickly became a popular place for area residents to gather, socialize, and purchase goods; and

WHEREAS, the A.J. Owens store remained a cornerstone in Snowville for many generations and a model community-oriented small business; and

WHEREAS, Beulah Owens' commitment to her community was inspiring, as she was always willing to lend a helping hand to individuals and families during difficult times; and

WHEREAS, Beulah Owens was also a devoted member of the Snowville Baptist Church, where she gathered with her neighbors, friends, and family; and

WHEREAS, Beulah Owens had immense love for and pride in her family and always enjoyed spending time with them, including her daughter, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, their spouses, and her many nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Beulah Owens' compassion for others and enthusiasm for her community will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and all the individuals whose lives she has touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the passing of an exceptional Virginian, Beulah Boothe Owens; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Beulah Boothe Owens as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.