Celebrating the life of Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lamont Bagby and 3 co-sponsors

HJ706ER commemorates Louise Whipple’s lifelong contributions to education and the Richmond community, honoring her legacy without creating policy or funding changes.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ706ER)

Summary: House Joint Resolution 706 (HJ706ER) – Celebrating the life of Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple

Purpose and intent

HJ706ER is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution recognizing and commemorating the life and contributions of Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple, a longtime educator and community leader from Richmond, Virginia.

The resolution notes her death on July 30, 2024, and expresses the General Assembly’s respect and condolences to her family.

Key provisions and provisions’ impact

The bill contains commemorative “Whereas” clauses detailing Whipple’s background, education, career, and community service, highlighting:

Early life in the Glenburnie area of Richmond and graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School (Girls State participant; award for character, intelligence, service, leadership).
Higher education at what is now Mary Baldwin University; achievements including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
Professional experience in publishing and education, including a stint at Harvard Medical School, editing at Scribner’s in New York, and a master’s in teaching from Manhattanville College; taught English in Scarsdale, NY before returning to Richmond.
A lifelong commitment to education: champion for Richmond Public Schools, helped establish the first PTA at Mary Munford Elementary, taught English as a second language from 1980 until retirement in 2012.
Leadership and community involvement: Leadership Metro Richmond alumnus, advisor to the Junior League of Richmond, president of the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, church librarian at First Presbyterian Church, and roles within the congregation.
Personal life and interests: time split between Richmond and a family farm in Brownsburg, involvement in a senior women’s hockey team, founded a bridge club, active in the Noname Book Club.

The resolution states that Whipple “inspired others through her quiet confidence, kindness, and grace” and notes her family connections.

Importantly, the language is ceremonial and does not enact policy, funding, or regulatory changes.

Who is affected

Primarily a ceremonial decision affecting the memory and public recognition of Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple.

Family and community members in Richmond and Brownsburg who knew her.

The resolution serves as an official expression of respect from the General Assembly.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: February 16, 2025.

Patrons: Carr, Cousins, and McQuinn; Senator Bagby.

House engrossed and agreed to: February 18, 2025.

Senate agreed to: February 20, 2025.

Enrolled and recorded as bill text (HJ706ER): March 24, 2025.

The bill’s status indicates passage by both chambers as a concurrent resolution honoring a private individual.

Overall assessment

HJ706ER is a formal, commemorative resolution recognizing Louise Whipple’s contributions to education and the Richmond community. It serves to publicly honor her legacy and provide a puntual record of appreciation by the General Assembly, without creating legal, fiscal, or policy changes.