2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 638
Commending Rita Jean Shropshire.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 17, 2025
Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2025
WHEREAS, Rita Jean Shropshire, a devoted volunteer leader and highly admired resident of Ridgeway, retired as chair of the Henry County Electoral Board in December 2024, concluding more than six decades of exemplary service; and
WHEREAS, a native of Carroll County, Rita Shropshire moved to Martinsville to work at the E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company plant, then ultimately settled in the Town of Ridgeway in Henry County in 1962 and became an active member of the community; and
WHEREAS, shortly after relocating to Ridgeway, she was selected as an elections officer, then subsequently became the chief elections officer and served in that capacity for 28 years, until she was elected to her first of five consecutive terms on the Henry County Electoral Board; and
WHEREAS, during her 15 years on the Henry County Electoral Board, Rita Shropshire worked tirelessly to uphold electoral integrity and efficiency; she was a trusted mentor and source of institutional knowledge for precinct workers and helped implement new technologies to enhance the voting process; and
WHEREAS, Rita Shropshire also offered her wise insights to the Ladies Auxiliary for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, and she was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Martinsville Chapter 66, where she served two terms as worthy matron; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her career and community service, Rita Shropshire is a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Ridgeway, where she has served as church clerk, Sunday school teacher, deacon emeritus, chair of the Women's Missionary Union, and chair of the oversight and fundraising committees during the construction of a new church building; and
WHEREAS, in all her endeavors, Rita Shropshire has been supported by her husband, Howard, her daughters, Joyce and Rachel, and their families, including two beloved grandchildren, Allison and Davis; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Rita Jean Shropshire on the occasion of her retirement as chair of the Henry County Electoral Board; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Rita Jean Shropshire as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her legacy of contributions to the Henry County community, inspirational commitment to public service, and dedication to maintaining a healthy democratic process.