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SJ 318

Celebrating the life of Elvin Russell Cosby, Jr.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Schuyler VanValkenburg

Senate Joint Resolution honors Elvin R. Cosby Jr. for seven decades of service to Henrico County, recognizing his leadership, diversity advocacy, and faith-based community impact.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ318ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 318

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 318 (SJ318) – Celebrating the life of Elvin Russell Cosby, Jr.

Overview

SJ318 is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution introduced January 28, 2025, to publicly honor and remember Elvin Russell Cosby, Jr., a longtime Henrico County Public Works employee, faith leader, and valued community member. The enrolled version, SJ318ER, confirms the formal expression of respect from the General Assembly.

Purpose and Intent

  • Publicly recognize the life, service, and enduring contributions of Elvin R. Cosby, Jr. to Henrico County and its residents.
  • Acknowledge Cosby’s nearly seven decades of public service, leadership, faith involvement, and impact on the community.
  • Express condolences and gratitude on behalf of the General Assembly, with a copy of the resolution to be presented to his family.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution notes that Cosby died on December 8, 2024, and highlights his 73-year career with Henrico County Public Works beginning in April 1946.
  • It credits Cosby with shaping workforce principles and advocating for diversity within county employment.
  • It references the Henrico County recognition of Cosby’s legacy, including:
    • The Elvin R. Cosby Award (established in 2015) to honor longstanding county employees.
    • A street named in his honor, “Elvin Cosby Way.”
  • Cosby’s affiliations and roles are noted:
    • Longtime member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia (Masons), with early membership in Limelight Lodge #301 and later Jonathan Lodge #112.
    • Deacon at St. Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen, providing spiritual leadership.
  • Personal details include his wife, Lottie Jane, and his children Lena, Kathy, Sandra, Joyce, Della, and Chartell, along with other family and friends.
  • Procedurally, the resolution directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy for presentation to Cosby’s family.

Affected Parties

  • Elvin R. Cosby, Jr. (honored posthumously)
  • Henrico County Public Works (recognition of long service and legacy)
  • Henrico County community members who benefited from Cosby’s leadership and the county’s diversity initiatives
  • Cosby’s family and estate (recipient of the resolution copy)

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Engrossed by Senate: January 30, 2025
  • Agreed to by Senate: January 30, 2025
  • Received by House: January 31, 2025
  • Agreed to by House: February 3, 2025
  • Enrolled (final, SJ318ER): February 4, 2025
  • The language in the enrolled version reiterates the same statements and memorial nature as the introduced text.

Impact and Practical Implications

  • This is a non-binding, ceremonial recognition with no fiscal impact or policy change.
  • It serves as an official historical record and public acknowledgment of Cosby’s life and contributions.
  • The resolution may be used by community organizations and local government as a formal affirmation of Cosby’s legacy.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph summary for quick reference or a side-by-side comparison of the introduced and enrolled texts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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