WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJ 334

Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. Milton Roy Blount.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Louise Lucas and 1 co-sponsor

The resolution formally honors the life and community leadership of Reverend Dr. Milton Roy Blount and expresses the General Assembly’s condolence and respect.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ334ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJ 334

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution No. 334 (SJ334ER)

Overview

SJ334 is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution titled “Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. Milton Roy Blount.” The resolution memorializes and honors the life and service of the Reverend Dr. Milton Roy Blount, senior pastor of New Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Portsmouth, who died on January 10, 2025. The enrolled version (SJ334ER) confirms that both chambers agreed to the resolution.

Purpose and intent

  • Acknowledges the life, devotion, and community impact of Reverend Dr. Milton Roy Blount.
  • Recognizes his leadership, faith, and enduring contributions to the Portsmouth community and to various faith and civic organizations.
  • Expresses the General Assembly’s sadness at his passing and its respect for his memory.
  • Provides for the Clerk of the Senate to present a copy of the resolution to Blount’s family.

Key provisions and changes

  • Declares, in formal terms, the General Assembly’s condolence and respect for Dr. Blount.
  • Enumerates Blount’s background, education, and lengthy ministry:
    • Born in historic South Norfolk County; educated in Portsmouth Public Schools; bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University; further study at Virginia Union University and Regent University.
    • Began ministry at age 17 at New Mount Olivet Baptist Church; previously served as senior pastor of Poplar Lawn Baptist Church (1987–1992).
    • Installed as the fourth pastor of New Mount Olivet Baptist Church on January 31, 1993.
  • Highlights Blount’s community leadership roles and affiliations:
    • Involvement with Hampton University Ministers Conference and Virginia Baptist State Convention.
    • Former president of the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers’ Conference and moderator of Sharon Missionary Baptist Association.
    • Board service with PORTCO, Inc., the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services, and the Children’s Home of Virginia Baptist.
    • President of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Steering Committee and Church and Community in Action.
  • Notes his personal life: married to Claudette Blount for 45 years, with a daughter named Crystal and other family and friends.

Who is affected

  • The primary audience is the General Assembly (Senate and House of Delegates) and the family of Reverend Dr. Milton Roy Blount.
  • The resolution serves as a formal public acknowledgment of Blount’s life and contributions to the Portsmouth community and broader faith-based and civic networks.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 3, 2025.
  • Passed by the Senate: February 6, 2025.
  • Agreed to by the House of Delegates: February 10, 2025.
  • Enrolled: February 11, 2025, with the resolution designated SJ334ER.
  • Status: The text as passed by both chambers, presented as an enrolled joint resolution.

Impact and significance

  • This is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution recognizing a prominent community religious leader.
  • It formalizes a commemorative record in state legislative history and can be used in public ceremonies and historical references.
  • Reflects the General Assembly’s practice of recognizing notable local figures who have had a meaningful impact on their communities.

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

Sign in to ask a question.