Celebrating the life of Jane Leighton Wright Goss Hicks.
House Joint Resolution 110 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and legacy of Jane Leighton Wright Goss Hicks of Norfolk, Virginia. The resolution recounts her education at Booker T. Washington High School and Norfolk State University, her early widowhood after the death of her first husband in the Vietnam War, and her determination in raising her children while later earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology. It also highlights her career as an educator and administrator at Tidewater Community College, Elizabeth City State University, and Norfolk State University.
The resolution further recognizes her civic, sorority, and church involvement, including service with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Norfolk State University Alumni Association, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and several Norfolk churches. It concludes by expressing the General Assembly’s sorrow at her passing and directing the Clerk of the House of Delegates to present a copy of the resolution to her family as a tribute.
HJ110 does not change or create any state law, program, or appropriation. Its legal effect is limited to an official expression of sympathy and recognition by the Virginia General Assembly, with the only operative provision being the preparation of a copy for presentation to the family. The resolution primarily affects the public record and serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Hicks’s contributions to education, community service, and faith-based life in Norfolk.
The sentiment surrounding the resolution is uniformly positive and respectful. Because it is a memorial and commendation resolution, there is no recorded controversy, committee debate, or dissenting vote in the provided materials. The General Assembly’s action reflects broad appreciation for Hicks’s personal resilience, professional service, and community leadership.
There are no notable points of contention in the bill text or available legislative history. The resolution is noncontroversial and purely commemorative, so no opposing viewpoints, policy disputes, or stakeholder disagreements are reflected in the record provided.