SR 86 (161st Virginia General Assembly)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 86 Celebrating the life of Dora McGlone Harris.

Agreed to by the Senate, January 14, 2021

WHEREAS, Dora McGlone Harris, an esteemed educator who touched countless lives in the Portsmouth community, died on December 5, 2020; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in Portsmouth, Dora Harris was an avid student throughout her life, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Virginia Union University, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Virginia State University, a master’s degree in elementary education from Hampton University, and a master’s degree in administration from Old Dominion University; and

WHEREAS, Dora Harris bookended her impressive 25-year career as an educator with Portsmouth City Public Schools, teaching in Bad Nauheim, Germany, and at Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and West Virginia University before ultimately retiring as principal of Westhaven Elementary School in 1991; and

WHEREAS, an active and engaged member of her community, Dora Harris was involved with several civic organizations over the years, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Portsmouth chapter of Links, Inc., Pinochle Bugs, Inc., Jack and Jill, Inc., and the Holidays Social Club; in 1999, she successfully coordinated a 100-pint blood drive on behalf of Third Baptist Church and the American Red Cross; and

WHEREAS, Dora Harris was dedicated to the growth and development of young people both as an educator and as a chairperson for the Eureka Club, Inc., Debutante Cotillion, contributing greatly to the well-being and success of many future leaders; and

WHEREAS, as a counselor for patients diagnosed with cancer, Dora Harris helped untold individuals and their families cope with the challenges of the disease and remain positive through their treatment; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her deep and abiding faith, Dora Harris enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community at various churches over the years and since 2003 was a devoted member of Grove Church in Portsmouth, where she gave generously of her time in various leadership positions; and

WHEREAS, Dora Harris will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving husband of 65 years, Warren; her children, Warren, Derryl, and David, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Dora McGlone Harris, a noteworthy educator and beloved member of the Portsmouth community who had a profound and lasting impact on innumerable lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Dora McGlone Harris as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for her memory.