SR 97 (161st Virginia General Assembly)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 97 Celebrating the life of Gloria Mae Benton Walker.

Agreed to by the Senate, January 28, 2021

WHEREAS, Gloria Mae Benton Walker, an active and beloved member of the Portsmouth community who was cherished by many for her boundless wisdom and compassion, died on January 3, 2021; and

WHEREAS, born in Chesapeake and raised in Portsmouth, Gloria Walker graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1945; and

WHEREAS, Gloria Walker worked hard in several industries throughout her career, including sales, transportation, and child care, and was notably one of the first female bus drivers for Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where she was a member of the Officer’s Club and retired in 1989; and

WHEREAS, Gloria Walker was known throughout her community for her gracious and compassionate nature, providing many students with financial support over the years and offering groceries to those in need without hesitation; and

WHEREAS, Gloria Walker was an accomplished musician who brightened several church and local musical groups with her superb alto voice and charmed innumerable nursing home residents with her talented piano work; and

WHEREAS, an active and engaged member of her community, Gloria Walker was highly involved in myriad organizations, including the Order of Calanthe, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Brighton/Prentis Park Civic League, and the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her deep and abiding faith, Gloria Walker enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community at Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth, where she served in various leadership positions and supported several ministries; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her sons Elton and Raymond, Gloria Walker will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving husband of 74 years, Willie, Sr.; her children, Willie, Jr., Evelyn, Ernest, Kennith, Yvette, and David; 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 Gloria Mae Benton Walker, a treasured member of the Portsmouth community whose unwavering kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Gloria Mae Benton Walker as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for her memory.